By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The New York Police Department updated its policy to require most body-worn camera footage from critical incidents be released within 30 days.
• The revised guidelines apply to footage from incidents involving serious injury, death or significant public interest, officials said.
• Redaction procedures remain in place under existing law to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.
• NYPD leaders said the change aims to improve transparency and public trust.
NEW YORK, NY — The New York Police Department has revised its body-worn camera policy, establishing a 30-day deadline for the release of most footage captured during critical incidents, NYPD officials announced.
Under the updated directive, recordings from critical incidents — including serious use-of-force events resulting in injury or death — are to be made available to the public within 30 days following the event, the department said.
The policy retains existing requirements for redacting footage to protect the privacy of victims, witnesses and officers, and to safeguard active investigative material as permitted under law.
NYPD leadership said the revised timeline is intended to increase transparency and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement processes around serious incidents. The department’s body-worn camera program includes tens of thousands of officers equipped with recording devices across city commands.