BILL NUMBER: S5289
SPONSOR: SEPULVEDA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to requiring the release
of body camera recordings in instances where an officer fires a gun and
hits someone or could have caused injury, uses a stun gun, or makes use
of any other force that causes harm within thirty days of such incident
 
PURPOSE::
This is to increase transparency by requiring that body camera footage
is released to the public after 30 days.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::
Police agencies shall release body camera recording of instances where a
police officer or peace officer: (a) fires a gun and hits someone or
could have caused injury; (b)uses a stun gun; or (c) makes use of any
other force that causes harm. Such body camera recordings shall be
released within thirty days of such instance
 
JUSTIFICATION::
New York City was one of the first major cities in the country to imple-
ment body cameras on their officers. The goal of implementing these body
cameras was to increase the transparency of police interactions with the
public. Releasing footage to the public will protect officers who are
doing their job well and hold those who aren't accountable. In further-
ance of that goal Lhis bill aims to make these interactions available
for public view within 30 days. If we are serious about reform then we
should aim to be transparent with the public for whom these reform are
long overdue
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
S.4343 of 2023-2024; Referred to Codes;
S. 4352 of 2021-22: Referred to Codes;
A. 10748 of 2020: Referred to Governmental Operations
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.