How to Request Bodycam Footage in New York

A practical, jurisdiction-specific walkthrough for filing a public-records request for police body-worn camera video in New York (NY). This guide is informational and not legal advice.

Governing law

New York FOIL (Public Officers Law § 84-90) & § 50-a repeal (2020) for disciplinary records

Who to send your request to

Records Access Officer. If the incident involved multiple agencies (city PD plus state troopers plus sheriff), file parallel requests with each.

What to include in the request

The exact date, approximate time window, and location of the incident.
The case, incident, or CAD number if you have it.
Names or badge numbers of involved officers if known.
A clear statement invoking the state's public-records statute.
Your preferred delivery format (electronic file, DVD, thumb drive).
A fee ceiling — e.g. "please contact me before incurring charges above $25."

Fees

$0.25/page under 9x14 inches

Response timeline

5 business days to acknowledge; 20 days to disclose

If your request is denied

Committee on Open Government or Article 78 in Supreme Court. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.