Government laws, including the New York Freedom of Information Law ("FOIL") provide access to government records. You can read the New York State FOIL statute here.
The Board’s Freedom of Information Officer will respond, in writing, within five business days to a request for public records that reasonably describes the records being sought, or if more time is needed, will acknowledge the receipt of the request in writing and indicate an approximate date by which the Board will respond to the request, usually not more than 20 additional business days.
Please include as much specific information as you can relating to the documents so that we can identify the records that are responsive to your request. Dates and names are helpful. While not required, we strongly encourage you to complete the Board’s Application for Access to Public Records which is accessible by clicking here.
Submit the request by email to EthicsFoilOfficer@suffolkcountyny.gov or mail your request to
Suffolk County Board of Ethics
PO Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Important Information to keep in mind
- The Board can only respond to requests seeking Board records and cannot respond to requests for records held by other entities, including other departments and/or boards in the County.
- Asking a question does not typically qualify as a public records request. A public record request seeks “records” that already exist, usually in writing. The Board is typically not required to create a record in response to a public records request.
- What can I do if my request is denied in whole or in part?
State and local law exempts certain records from disclosure. The Freedom of Information Officer may deny your request in whole, or in part, if it falls under these exemptions. If you disagree with the Freedom of Information Officer’s denial of your request, you may appeal by sending a letter to:
FOIL Appeals Officer
Suffolk County Attorney
H. Lee Dennison Building, 6th Floor
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, New York 11788