(a) The division agrees with the principle that the people have the right to know the process by which government makes its decisions, and that the people should have access to the documents and the statistics on which such determinations are based.

(b) The division, being a statewide law enforcement agency mandated by law (section 223, Executive Law) to prevent and detect crime and to apprehend criminals, adheres to the principle that the greatest protection must be exercised to protect the identity and safety of those, who in confidence, assist the division in carrying out its mandate.

(c) Adhering to these principles, the division promulgates this Part with the intent and purpose of making available to the public the opportunity to inspect, copy, or obtain copies of its records, in accordance with the authority and limitations provided in article 6 of the Public Officers Law, commonly known as the: Freedom of Information Law.