NYPD Asks New Yorkers to Weigh in on Body-Worn Camera Policy

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is planning a large body-worn camera (BWC) experiment involving 1,000 cameras at precincts all over the City, and is seeking public input to develop the policies that will guide officers using the cameras. This pilot program emerged in part from the class action lawsuits in which the court found the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk practices unconstitutional. The Bronx Defenders is among plaintiffs’ counsel in one of these lawsuits, Ligon v. City of New York.

The Bronx Defenders believes that it is important for the public – particularly those most affected by police encounters – to fill out this online questionnaire about how police cameras should be used.  Responses will be analyzed by the Policing Project at New York University School of Law.  Public feedback on the proposed BWC program can help ensure that this new technology reduces inappropriate police behavior.  Responses may be submitted until August 7th and will be anonymous.

Please consider completing the survey, which can be found here.

For The Bronx Defenders’ perspective on body-worn cameras, click here.