New York City's police department has been accused of failing to release body camera footage in a timely manner, according to an audit by the city comptroller's office. The review found that in over half of cases between 2020 and 2024, the NYPD did not turn over footage until after the requester had appealed for it.
The department was introduced to use body-worn cameras back in 2019 as part of a transparency effort, but critics say that failing to release footage undermines its purpose. "With proper oversight, body-worn cameras are a tool for gathering evidence and building trust," said Comptroller Brad Lander, who called on the department to improve transparency.
A significant proportion of requests - over 85% - took more than 25 business days to respond to, which is longer than the standard time frame city agencies are expected to adhere to. The average response time was actually much slower, with it taking 133 business days to grant or deny a request in most cases.
What's even more concerning is that nearly all of the denied requests were later granted after an appeal. However, the department claims that this is because officers had not turned on their cameras as required. In fact, the audit found that footage was turned on too late or stopped too early in about 18% of cases.
The NYPD has agreed to several recommendations made by the comptroller's office to improve transparency and oversight of body-worn camera footage, including increasing staffing at its Legal Bureau and investigating lower activation rates at certain precincts. However, some department officials have pushed back on the audit's methodology and conclusions, arguing that 2020 data - a year marked by social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic - is not representative of normal operating conditions.
The audit's findings raise serious questions about the effectiveness of body-worn cameras in promoting transparency and accountability. As Comptroller Lander noted, without proper oversight, these cameras can be little more than "a hunk of metal."
The department was introduced to use body-worn cameras back in 2019 as part of a transparency effort, but critics say that failing to release footage undermines its purpose. "With proper oversight, body-worn cameras are a tool for gathering evidence and building trust," said Comptroller Brad Lander, who called on the department to improve transparency.
A significant proportion of requests - over 85% - took more than 25 business days to respond to, which is longer than the standard time frame city agencies are expected to adhere to. The average response time was actually much slower, with it taking 133 business days to grant or deny a request in most cases.
What's even more concerning is that nearly all of the denied requests were later granted after an appeal. However, the department claims that this is because officers had not turned on their cameras as required. In fact, the audit found that footage was turned on too late or stopped too early in about 18% of cases.
The NYPD has agreed to several recommendations made by the comptroller's office to improve transparency and oversight of body-worn camera footage, including increasing staffing at its Legal Bureau and investigating lower activation rates at certain precincts. However, some department officials have pushed back on the audit's methodology and conclusions, arguing that 2020 data - a year marked by social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic - is not representative of normal operating conditions.
The audit's findings raise serious questions about the effectiveness of body-worn cameras in promoting transparency and accountability. As Comptroller Lander noted, without proper oversight, these cameras can be little more than "a hunk of metal."
I mean, it's just common sense that you should be able to get your hands on police footage if you've requested it in the first place. It's like a business record, right? But no, the NYPD seems to think they can just sit on it for months and then 'reveal' it when someone complains. That doesn't build trust, that just makes everyone feel like they're being lied to. And what really worries me is that they were able to get away with this for so long without anyone calling them out on it. I guess it's a good thing the comptroller stepped in and said something needs to change... now we just have to see if they actually follow through!
. I mean, what's the point of having them if we can't get our hands on the footage in time? It's like they're only useful when someone has already appealed for it 
. And 85% of requests taking over 25 business days to respond is just ridiculous 
. It's all about accountability and trust, but if we can't get the facts straight, then what's the use? 
And yeah, if they're not gonna release footage on time, what's the point of even having body cams? It's like, let's get it together, NYPD! 
. It sounds like they're not being transparent enough with the public about what's going on with their body-worn camera footage. I mean, who wants to wait 133 business days to get some video evidence? That just doesn't seem right 
. And if most of those denied requests were later granted after an appeal, that raises serious questions about the department's oversight process 
.
. If they're not activated correctly or at all, then what's the point? 
I'd want to see some real changes in how this department operates, like more accountability measures and better staff training 
. The audit found that nearly 20% of footage was turned on too late or stopped too early... that's a pretty big deal 
! I'm glad the department is agreeing to some recommendations, but it'll take more than that to rebuild trust with the public 
.
what's even more sus is that all those denied requests were later granted after an appeal like they're just tryna make a point, not really takin care of business 
. and then they deny the request only to turn it around after an appeal? what's the point of even having these cameras if you're just gonna play games with it 
.
. Like, I get it, body-worn cameras are supposed to help with transparency and accountability, but it seems like the NYPD is kinda winging it 
. 85% of requests taking over a month to respond is just a major red flag 
. And what's even more concerning is that most denied requests got granted after an appeal... that doesn't sound like good oversight 
. Let's hope the NYPD takes these findings seriously and makes some real changes 
I'm not surprised that most denied requests were later granted after an appeal, though. It's like they're just making it up as they go along. 
It's not like it's some complicated issue that needs expert analysis or anything. Just release the footage already! 
85% of requests took over 25 days to respond? That's just ridiculous. And when you think about it, nearly all those denied requests were later approved after an appeal... that's not exactly a ringing endorsement. 
It's like they're waiting for someone else to complain before doing the right thing.