Union Seeks to Stop Web Posting on Gun Permitees

(CN) - A corrections officers' union is suing to stop the online publication of the names and addresses of New York state pistol permit holders.

The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association filed the action on Jan. 6 in Albany County Supreme Court against Alan Munn, who owns the website Paladium.net.

The union also sued Host Europe GmbH, the site's internet service provider.

The officers are seeking the removal of the entire website, specifically the section called "New York State Pistol Permit 2010 Database."

NYSCOPBA claims the website's publication of the names and addresses of pistol permit holders "constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy" and violates the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (NY SAFE) Act.

The union represents 23,000 employees, with more than 19,000 of them working for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The lawsuit states that Munn is a New York state resident living in Germany and that Host Europe is based in Cologne, Germany.

"Paladium.net serves no purpose other than to harass, annoy and endanger the lives of those whose personal and private information is posted and discussed on the website," the lawsuit says.

According to the complaint, the website specifically mentions that "many male C.O.'s, security officers employed by security businesses, former police officers and parole officers seem to have a permit."

The union also states that the NY SAFE Act, which was adopted in 2013, provides a method by which current or former peace officers can shield their personal information from public disclosure.

The lawsuit seeks attorney fees and a declaration that the defendants are committing an invasion of privacy, along with the removal of the website.

Attorney Lawrence H. Schaefer of the Albany law firm of Sheehan Greene Golderman & Jacques LLP is representing the union.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit