WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (AP) - Wrightsville Beach is refusing to release the names of three police officers placed on administrative leave.

North Carolina's Freedom of Information law requires governments to release the names of employees who are suspended, promoted, demoted or have any other change in position.

The StarNews of Wilmington reports that the town's attorney is refusing to release the names because the officers are on paid administrative leave and that is not a change in position. The town has not said why the officers are being investigated, but the probe began after a complaint from within the police department in December. 

Media law attorney Mike Tadych says the town's position is wrong and its attorney is just parsing words because the officers' duties were changed.