"Unfulfilled Promise: How Police Undermine Body Cameras"

The promise of police body cameras to increase transparency and accountability has been undermined by the lack of control over the footage. Police departments, including the New York Police Department, have the power to decide what is recorded, who can see it, and when it is released. As a result, departments have routinely delayed or refused to release footage, released only partial or redacted video, and failed to discipline officers when abuse is documented. The limited release of footage raises concerns about police interests being prioritized over public safety. Without further intervention from officials and lawmakers, body cameras may continue to serve the police rather than the public they are meant to protect.