Bill > S06058

This bill establishes body-worn camera programs for two specific law enforcement agencies in New York: the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The programs mandate that officers wear cameras while on patrol and record a wide range of interactions, including before exiting a vehicle, all uses of force, arrests, searches, interactions with suspected criminals, and encounters with emotionally disturbed persons. The cameras must capture incidents where officers feel they are in potential danger or need to document their duties. Officers have discretion to not record sensitive encounters like interactions with confidential informants or strip searches, or when a member of the public requests the camera be turned off. The attorney general is empowered to investigate any instances of camera failure to record required events. Each agency is responsible for preserving recordings, maintaining equipment, creating secure records of footage, ensuring sufficient storage capacity, and providing officers with access to cameras. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for agencies to prepare necessary implementing regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6058