NYPD Will Be Required To Release Body Camera Footage Within 30 Days

NEW YORK, NY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced a new policy requiring the New York City Police Department to release body-worn camera footage within 30 days of critical incidents.

The department now mandates the timeline for incidents involving an officer discharging a firearm that strikes a member of the public, as well as use-of-force cases that result in serious injury or death. The policy formalizes a practice the department has followed during Tisch’s tenure.

“Transparency and accountability are the building blocks of public safety,” Mamdani said. “By codifying the timely release of body-worn camera footage, we are ensuring that New Yorkers receive timely information about critical incidents.”

Tisch said the rule reinforces the department’s approach to public disclosure.

The commissioner retains authority to release footage in other cases when doing so could help maintain public order or contribute to public safety.

The NYPD requires uniformed officers below the rank of deputy inspector to wear body-worn cameras. The program covers more than 29,500 officers, making it the largest of its kind in the country.

Officials said officers must activate the cameras before taking police action.