Some great tips for Freedom of Information requests.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press asked investigative reporters who file records requests for a living what actually works. Their advice is written for the federal FOIA, but the habits carry straight over to a New York FOIL request: mine news stories for documents that are referenced but never posted, keep the request narrow by excluding press releases and news clippings that only bog down the search, and appeal every denial rather than walking away.
Read the full piece: How to file FOIA requests like a pro — Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, August 24, 2026.
If you are filing in New York rather than with a federal agency, our Questions & Answers covers the FOIL rules that trip people up most often, including appeal deadlines.
