Posted on: February 20, 2019 01:55 PM

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NYPD s union lost the case for body camera to keep it private

The city's largest union, NYPD's Patrolmens Benevolent Association lost the case on Tuesday after a judge ruled police body camera footage is subject to public disclosure.

The union argued that body camera footage constitutes a personal record and is therefore covered by a state law keeping police personnel records secret.

However, the judge concluded, body camera video is more akin to arrest or stop reports, and not records primarily generated for disciplinary and promotional purpose.

Also, to hold otherwise would defeat the purpose of the body-worn-camera program to promote increased transparency and public accountability.

Now the union will appeal but NYPD and police reform advocates agreed with the judge by stating as long as police follows the rule, the public has the right to know.