Police body-worn camera and dashboard camera footage and release policy

Office of Special Investigation

Pursuant to Executive Law Section 70-b, the New York State Attorney General investigates and, where warranted, prosecutes offenses in connection with deaths caused by police officers and certain peace officers, including corrections officers. These cases are handled by the Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI).

OSI's primary objective is to fairly and thoroughly investigate these incidents. It also seeks to provide transparency to the public and strengthen the public's trust in these matters.

To further increase transparency, Attorney General James issued a directive to release certain video materials to the public. This is footage from body-worn and dashboard cameras obtained in the course of an OSI investigation into a matter over which OSI has jurisdiction.

Review release policy

Investigation into the death of Rakim Tillery
Investigation into Civilian Death in Ontario County
Investigation in the death of Woody Smith
Investigation into the death of Todd Novick
Investigation into the death of John Pass
Investigation into the death of Mamady Cisse
Investigation into the death of Alan Weber
Investigation into the death of Daniel Legler
Investigation into the deaths of Dhal Apet and Lueth Mo
Investigation into Civilian Death in New York
Investigation into the death of Eric Duprey
Investigation into the death of Jarrell Garris
Investigation into the death of Brendon Burns
Investigation into the death of Jamie Feith
Investigation into the death of Daniel McAlpin
Investigation into the death of Ronald Smith
Investigation into the death of Simran Gordon
Investigation into the death of Michael Rosado
Investigation into the death of Daniel Prude
Investigation into the death of Troy Hodge
Investigation into the death of Susan Harrington
Investigation into the death of Allison Lakie
Investigation into the death of Jason Jones
Investigation into the death of Eudes Pierre
Investigation into the death of James Huber
Investigation into the death of Judson Albahm
Investigation into the death of Joshua De'Miguel Kavota

Release policy for video from police body-worn and dashboard cameras

  • OSI will release body-worn camera and dashboard camera footage obtained during an investigation, over which we have jurisdiction, in a timely manner, when permissible by law. OSI will not wait until the completion of an investigation to release the footage.
  • The footage may be redacted or withheld, as appropriate, to do the following and other actions:
    • Ensure privacy (interiors of residences or other private spaces, location of domestic-violence programs or shelters, intimate images, images of an individual receiving medical attention, images of documents containing personal identifying information)
    • Comply with federal, state, or local laws
    • Protect confidential sources or witnesses
    • Protect a person's right to a fair trial
    • Protect the identities of victims of sex crimes and domestic violence
    • Protect the privacy, life or safety of any person
    • Avoid undue trauma due to explicit or graphic content
    • Protect the identities of minors
  • Before releasing any camera footage, OSI will give at least 24 hours' notice, when possible, to the following parties:
    • A known family member or next of kin of the deceased
    • Legal counsel for the family or next of kin
    • The police department involved in the incident
    • Any other known entities investigating the incident

The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter, or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.