For how long are videos from Body-Worn Cameras retained?

Videos from Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) are typically retained for a duration of 6 months as part of the protocols established by various law enforcement agencies, including those in New York State. This retention period allows for a balance between ensuring accountability and privacy.

The 6-month timeframe is often selected to accommodate the investigation and adjudication of incidents that may arise from police encounters captured on video. It ensures that relevant evidence is available during this critical period while preventing the retention of videos for longer than necessary, which could infringe on individuals' privacy rights.

While other durations, such as 1 month or 1 year, may seem reasonable on the surface, they do not provide enough time for thorough investigations or could lead to premature deletion of crucial evidence. Two years may be excessive for many standard incidents that the cameras capture, leading to storage inefficiencies and additional costs. Thus, the 6-month retention period strikes an appropriate balance for law enforcement purposes.