Taxpayers across the U.S. are funding millions of dollars for police dash cams and body cameras, but accessing this footage in Pennsylvania is challenging. Following a Ligonier Township incident where police released footage of an officer shooting a man with a machete, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli urged police departments to consult her office before making videos public
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Attorney Paula Knudsen Burke from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press highlights that Act 22, which controls the release of police footage, is complex and often obstructs public access. The act permits police departments to decide on public requests for video, but also allows them to defer to the DA's office for video review and potential restriction.
Terry Mutchler, former head of Pennsylvania's Open Records Office, criticizes Act 22 for its barriers, noting the fee required to initiate a request and the tight 60-day timeframe for filing. Both Burke and Mutchler point out that law enforcement often delays release, citing ongoing investigations.
Mutchler, who has police officers in her family, argues that body cams not only increase transparency but also protect police from baseless accusations. She observes that police videos are seldom released promptly or voluntarily.
The issue of public access to police video in Pennsylvania is complex, leading to calls for legislative review. Pennsylvania lags behind other states in terms of transparency regarding the release of police body camera footage.
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