Who Can Access Footage From Police Body Cameras?

The use of police body cameras has become increasingly prevalent in the United States, with many states implementing laws regarding public access to the footage. While almost anyone can request body cam footage, the process and requirements vary by state and locality.

In many cases, footage is legally required to be made public, but accessing it can be difficult and costly. Currently, eight states – Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Carolina – require police to wear body cams, but most states have laws on the books regarding who can access police body cam footage and how to do so.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has found that some states have proposed laws regarding public access to police body cam footage, while others have passed laws that leave the question of public access inconclusive. Many states allow police to withhold body cam footage to protect victims or others recorded, or to redact sensitive information.

Despite public access to police body cam footage being widely allowed, a 2023 ProPublica survey found that footage is missing or withheld in the majority of deaths at the hands of police. To check the details for a specific state, individuals can visit a map that loads relevant legislation for each state.