NYPD Officers Can Sue to Keep Disciplinary Records Secret

The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association lawsuit maintains that releasing the files violates Section 50-a of the 1976 state civil rights law—which bars releasing disciplinary files.

The PBA filed suit in April, shortly after NYPD honchos revealed their plans—which also marked a dramatic change from previous department policy to keep those documents under wraps.

City lawyers had asked Engoron to throw out the case. But Engoron will let the PBA’s case go forward for now, writing that "based on the law, common sense, and simple justice, the cross-motion is denied."

A judge decided Tuesday he will let NYPD rank-and-file officers pursue their lawsuit over department plans to disclose their disciplinary records, reports the New York Daily News .

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron’s decision stems from a dispute over whether police officers can sue to prevent NYPD brass from releasing redacted disciplinary filings.