The New York Times is suing the city’s police department for repeated violations of The Freedom of Information Law. The lawsuit, which was filed yesterday, cites four incidents where the Times believes information was improperly delayed or withheld. David McCraw, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for The New York Times Company, said the lack of transparency is disconcerting:

People have a right to know what public agencies are doing, and how they are doing it, so that there can be an informed public debate over what policies are pursued and how tax dollars are spent.

In recent years the NYPD has been reluctant to submit information to the paper, specifically items pertaining to minor offenses, which haven’t been forwarded since 2002.

Perhaps the Gawker hackers could look into the NYPD, then maybe the Times would get some results. Just please tell us that Commissioner Kelly’s password is more complicated than something like “NYPD1234.”