NY sheriff data collection request (2016-2021) (Steuben County Sheriff's Office)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law, I hereby request the following records:

1.the total number of use of force incidents, separated by year, from 2016-2021 (for example, information that specifies the total number of use of force incidents in 2016, total number of use of force incidents in 2017, etc.). Please include as part of this a breakdown of how many use of force incidents in each year were related to law enforcement operations and how many were related to correctional/custodial operations.
2. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by year and type of force used from 2016-2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2016, baton incidents in 2016, etc.). Please include as part of this a breakdown of how many use of force incidents in each year were related to law enforcement operations and how many were related to correctional/custodial operations.
3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained, separated by year from 2016-2021 (for example, 8 complaints in 2020, 2 complaints sustained in 2020, 4 complaints in 2021, 1 complaint sustained in 2021, etc.)
4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained from 2016-2021, separated by year
5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained from 2016-2021, separated by year
6. the total number of officer involved shootings incidents from 2016-2021, separated by year (excluding shootings of animals and accidental discharges that are not directed at a person)

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data for each item in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints alleging police misconduct, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe