“The policies are described in this bold, audacious language. Then you find out that there are all sorts of exceptions and exemptions,” van Dalen said. 

She said the New York Police Department will quickly produce videos that validate officers’ actions and “shamelessly redact” others to the point of “misrepresenting the circumstances.” She said she’s seen endless delays in releasing video when “it’s pretty clear it’s been done to protect the department and officers from oversight.” 

Access the full USA TODAY article here and learn more about the importance of removing barriers to securing body-cam footage.