Are Kings County Records Public?

Yes. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), any record maintained, produced, or reproduced by a government agency is open for inspection by the public. Enacted in 1974, the FOIL serves as the primary statute governing access to governmental records in all counties across New York.

Each public agency is required to establish and maintain clear rules and regulations governing the availability of records, including:

• Specifying the time and place where records are available for public inspection
• Identifying the person from whom records can be obtained
• Outlining the cost of obtaining a paper copy of a record, which should not exceed 25 cents per page unless otherwise specified by statute

In addition to FOIL, several other statutes, such as the Open Meetings Law and the Personal Privacy Protection Law (PPPL), directly address the accessibility of specific records. The Open Meetings Law requires meetings of public bodies to be conducted openly and minutes from these meetings to be made available to the public. The PPPL grants individuals the right to access and correct their personal records held by government agencies.

These laws ensure accountability and transparency in governmental operations. Examples of public records include Kings County court records, property assessment data, criminal records, and vital records.

What is Exempted Under the New York Public Records Act?

The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) establishes the general public’s right to access government records. However, it regulates the type of information accessible to the general public to prevent unwarranted invasion of privacy or protect sensitive information.

The following categories of records or portions of documents are generally exempt from public disclosure.

• Law enforcement records that may interfere with investigations, endanger individuals, or reveal confidential sources
• Confidential business information
• Trade secrets
• Sensitive personal information such as medical history, social security numbers, and financial account numbers
• Records sealed by the court

To access a confidential record, individuals must file a petition with the court, clearly stating the reasons for requesting access. Those who present substantial legal grounds are more likely to receive a favorable ruling.

Kings County Public Records Search

Finding public records in Kings County is easy when conducted through the appropriate agency, following the agency’s established procedures. To successfully obtain a public record, it is essential to identify the specific type of record and the primary custodian of the record. The next step is to contact the agency using its preferred communication method. If such a channel is not specified, requests for public records searches can generally be made in person or via mail.

Under the Freedom of Information Law, the requester bears the cost of obtaining copies of a public record. However, regulations ensure that fees are reasonable and do not significantly exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Some county agencies provide searchable public records databases, offering convenient access for individuals unable to visit in person or who prefer not to wait for mail responses. The following are notable online databases where Kings County records can be found:

• New York State Unified Court System eCourts: allows users to search for civil, criminal, and family court records maintained in Kings County using a party name or case number
• NYC's Department of Records and Information Services Historical Vital Records Portal: provides access to Kings County vital records (birth, death, and marriage records) from 1855 to 1949
• NYC Department of Finance's Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS): facilitates searches for property records by party name, document number, or property address
• New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's Incarcerated Individual Locators: enables the public to find information about individuals incarcerated in county jails, including those in Kings County

Note: Confidential records are generally not available through online databases and must be requested in person.

Find Public Records For Free in Kings County

Several third-party platforms provide free access to Kings County public records. These platforms are also useful for locating various public records without the hassle of navigating individual agency databases. Public records commonly available on third-party websites include arrest, court, property, and other documents related to individuals. Although open to the public, records such as meeting minutes, agendas, government budgets, and expenditures may not be available on third-party platforms.

Keep in mind that while an initial search on a third-party site may be free, multiple platforms charge a fee to access certain details or complete records. Additionally, the information provided may not always be accurate or up-to-date, as these platforms rely on official sources for their data.

How to Remove Information From Public Records Free

Kings County public records are maintained to promote government transparency and accountability. Hence, removing information from a public record is only possible under specific circumstances and can be a complex process depending on the record type.

Different records have specific procedures and eligibility criteria for removal or redaction. Common records that receive requests for confidentiality include criminal records, court records, and personal information.

Individuals should refer to the New York Clean Slate Act or Criminal Record Sealing page to remove a criminal record from public viewing. Meanwhile, to remove personal information from a public record, subjects can submit a written request to the agency custodian, citing the information to be removed and the reason.

If the request to remove personal information is denied, the person can, within 30 days, file an appeal with the agency’s chief executive, governing body, or official appointed for such cases. If the agency’s denial is upheld, the individual may file a petition with the court containing the request and a copy of the agency’s statement (seePPPL, Section 95).

Who Can Access Kings County Public Records in New York?

The New York Freedom of Information Law places no restrictions on the categories of people allowed access to Kings County public records. Provided an individual is willing to follow appropriate procedures, they can obtain any record from a public agency. However, this access only applies to non-confidential records. Access to confidential records is limited to authorized individuals, such as the subjects of the record (if applicable), designated officials and agencies, and persons with a court order.

What Happens if I Am Refused a Public Records Request?

Denials can occur when individuals request access to public records, and there are several common reasons for this, including the following:

• Attempting to access a confidential record without a court order or authorization
• Submitting a request to the wrong agency
• Providing insufficient or vague information about the record being sought
• Privacy concerns surrounding the disclosure of the record

However, even if none of these conditions apply, the possibility exists that a request may still be denied. In such cases, public agencies are required to send a written notice to the requester stating the reason for the denial.

If denied a public record, the requester has the right to submit an appeal to the agency’s designated appeal officer (if present), the chief executive, or the governing body. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the individual may file an Article 78 proceeding within four months of receiving the final determination from the agency. If the case is presented convincingly, the court may overturn the agency’s decision and grant access to the requested record.