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Case 1:15-cv-07433-LAP Document 1328-9 Filed 01/05/24 Page 9 of 21 IV. The Motion to Compel Plaintiff to Disclose Ongoing Criminal Investigations is Denied The public interest privilege “exists to encourage witnesses to come forward and provide information in criminal investigations carried out by . .. [law enforcement] without fear that the information will be disclosed.” Sanchez by Sanchez v. City of New York, 201 A.D.2d 325, 326, 607 N.Y.S.2d 321 (1994). A party seeking disclosure of such information “first must demonstrate a compelling and particularized need for access” beyond “[g]eneral and conclusory allegations.” Id. The Court then weighs application of the qualified privilege by balancing the need for production against the potential harm to the public from disclosure. Id. After review of the materials in camera, the qualified public interest privilege as set forth in Sanchez has been established with respect to the submitted documents. Defendant has articulated no need for the documents. Accordingly, the balance weighs in favor of the privilege, and the motion to compel is denied. To preserve the record, Plaintiff is directed to file under seal a comprehensive copy of the log and documents within 21 days of distribution of this opinion.