NYPD launches a new 30-day body cam release policy

NYPD launches new 30-day body cam release policy

By: Robert Foreman

With nationwide calls for police reform, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has enacted a new 30-day release policy for body-worn cameras. The new policy dictates that when an NYPD officer is involved in a shooting that leads to the injury, or death, of a civilian that the body cam footage must be made public within a month. Originally, the NYPD’s policy gave the police commissioner 30 days to determine whether the body cam footage involving an officer’s use of a taser, or firearm, should be made public. Under the new policy, the body cam footage will be shown to the family of the person who was either injured, or killed, before being released to the public.

The new policy comes on the heels of the city’s plainclothes anti-crime units being disbanded and the nearly 600 officers being reassigned to other departments. While some have praised Mayor de Blasio’s move as a step toward a new level of transparency between the NYPD and the public, the policy shifts received immediate pushback from some in law enforcement. One of the most vocal critics was Pat Lynch, President of the Police Benevolent Association union. Lynch believes that disbanding the plainclothes unit will come back to haunt the city and that city leaders are not making proactive policing a priority anymore. Whether Lynch’s prediction will ultimately become a reality remains to be seen.

However, having a set timetable to release body cam footage to the public, especially when it involves a shooting, seems to be the right move. Now, some may believe that automatically making the footage public is a bad idea. Yet, to be blunt, with the proliferation of cellphones it would be reckless not to release the footage especially if the shooting was considered controversial. Let the footage speak for itself, good or bad. Officers face life and death situations on a regular basis, so if a shooting was justified then the footage will prove that, regardless of public opinion. However, if a shooting is seen as not being justified, and likely avoidable, then the footage will reveal that as well and the proper steps for accountability can be taken.

Some may view ‘accountability’ as a dirty word, but it is something that we need more of in our society and no one should be immune to it. Be it civilians, first responders, political leaders and so forth. Without accountability things become stagnant and mistrust grows. Change is always necessary, but it has to be balanced and fair. One cannot always assume that an officer-involved shooting was unjust. Law enforcement is a dangerous profession and if an officer’s life, or the life of a civilian is in imminent danger, then the officer must use deadly force. However, one cannot always assume that deadly force is called for in every situation. In both instances, having body cam footage becomes a valuable tool. The body cam footage has no reason to embellish the truth the way human beings often do.

While constantly wearing body cams can be an inconvenience, it can also protect both officers and civilians. If a civilian falsely accuses an officer of misconduct, the footage will ultimately exonerate the officer. Yet, if an officer does act in a way that goes against his, or her, oath to ‘protect and serve’ then the footage acts to exonerate the civilian. Releasing body camera footage is not a perfect solution to police accountability nor does it lessen the daily risks that officers take whenever they encounter a potentially violent suspect. Simply put, real change and accountability will come from rebuilding mutual trust and respect between law enforcement and the communities where they serve. In the end, neither officers, or civilians, are perfect. As humans being we are all flawed. Starting from that realization is a first step toward embracing true change that will benefit everyone involved.