Police can keep body camera footage anywhere from 30 days to several years, depending on the case and local rules. There’s no one-size-fits-all policy. State laws, department rules, and the type of event all matter.
Routine stops are often deleted sooner, while serious events like arrests or complaints mean footage stays longer. In some states, laws are stricter. Complaints, investigations, and legal requests can also extend how long it’s kept.
Want to know what decides how long footage is kept? Keep reading to find out and see why choosing the best wearable body camera can make all the difference.
Why the Retention Period Matters
Keeping body camera footage helps build trust. It shows what happened, supports investigations, and holds everyone accountable- officers and the public. That’s why knowing how long police keep this footage is important.
The Complexities of Retention Policies
There isn’t one rule for everyone. The time police departments hold onto body cam footage depends on a few things:
- State and local laws often set the rules.
- Model policies, like those from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), give guidance- but they aren’t laws.
- What’s recorded also matters. A simple traffic stop? Probably not kept long. A serious incident like use of force? That sticks around longer.
- If a complaint is filed or there’s an open investigation, the footage is usually saved for much longer.
Typical Retention Times
Here’s a general idea of how long footage might be kept:
- For routine and uneventful stops the typical retention time is 30 to 90 days.
- For arrests, use of force, or complaints the retention time varies from few months to several years.
- In ongoing investigations or court cases the retention time is possibly forever.
Shorter times help cut down storage costs and make managing files easier. But longer times help ensure the footage is available when questions or issues come up later.
Factors Triggering Longer Retention
- If someone files a formal complaint about an officer.
- If there’s a use-of-force incident.
- When an arrest is made or charges are filed.
- If internal affairs gets involved.
- When the public makes a records request. This can even lead to court orders to hold the footage longer.
Examples from Specific States or Cities
- California: Most departments keep footage for at least 90 days. Use-of-force footage is kept longer.
- Texas: Footage must be kept for at least 90 days. If there’s a complaint, it must be saved for 2 years.
- New York City: Keeps footage for 18 months. Certain cases may require longer. Public records laws also apply, but access can take time.
Knowing how long police keep body camera footage matters. For the most accurate info, it’s best to check with your local department or city website.