A New Jersey appeals court has upheld Attorney General Gurbir Grewal's authority to order the release of police disciplinary files dating back 20 years.

Grewal issued orders in June requiring law enforcement agencies across the state to publicly identify officers who were fired, demoted or suspended for more than five days because of a disciplinary violation. He also required state police to release data going back to 2000.

Police and troopers unions sued, saying Grewal didn't have the authority to order the release of the files.

Friday's ruling says he has the authority, but adds that individual officers can still challenge the release of their names.