By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The New York City Police Department established a policy requiring body camera footage from critical incidents be released to the public within 30 days, officials announced.
• The policy change applies to footage from serious use-of-force events, including incidents with serious injury or death, police said.
• Nearly 30,000 NYPD officers are equipped with body-worn cameras under the department’s body camera program.
• Officials said the deadline is intended to reinforce transparency and accountability in policing.
NEW YORK, NY — The New York City Police Department has formalized a policy requiring the release of body-worn camera footage from critical incidents within 30 calendar days, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jesscal Tisch announced March 18.
Under the revised policy, footage captured by officers’ body cameras in connection with serious use-of-force incidents — including cases involving death or serious physical injury — must be made available to the public within 30 days of the event, according to NYPD documentation.
The NYPD previously had no fixed timeline for public release of such footage after critical incidents, though nearly 30,000 department officers are equipped with body-worn cameras.
Department policy defines a critical incident as one in which force resulting in serious injury or death occurred, or when the Police Commissioner determines a release would address significant public concern, officials said.
Officials said the deadline is intended to enhance transparency around the department’s handling of serious incidents, though footage may be redacted before release as permitted under policy.