All Comparison Tables
Police Body Camera Laws
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Compare police body camera laws and policies across all 50 states, including statewide mandates, public records accessibility, and footage retention periods.
50 States3 data columnsLast updated: 2025-03-05
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| State | Required | Public Records Access | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No statewide mandate | Limited | Not specified |
| Alaska | No statewide mandate | Public records law | Not specified |
| Arizona | No statewide mandate | Limited (privacy) | Not specified |
| Arkansas | No statewide mandate | Yes (with redaction) | Not specified |
| California | Yes (AB 748) | Yes (45 days) | Minimum 2 years |
| Colorado | Yes (SB 20-217) | Yes | 3 years |
| Connecticut | Yes (PA 15-4) | Yes (FOIA) | Minimum 180 days |
| Delaware | No statewide mandate | FOIA exemption | Not specified |
| Florida | No statewide mandate | Yes (with exemptions) | 90 days minimum |
| Georgia | No statewide mandate | Yes (Open Records Act) | Not specified |
| Hawaii | No statewide mandate | UIPA applies | Not specified |
| Idaho | No statewide mandate | Exempt from disclosure | Not specified |
| Illinois | Yes (partial) | Yes (FOIA) | 2 years (flagged), 90 days (routine) |
| Indiana | No statewide mandate | Limited | 190 days minimum |
| Iowa | No statewide mandate | Confidential record | Not specified |
| Kansas | No statewide mandate | Criminal justice record | Not specified |
| Kentucky | No statewide mandate | Open Records Act | Not specified |
| Louisiana | No statewide mandate | Exempt in most cases | Not specified |
| Maine | No statewide mandate | FOAA applies | Not specified |
| Maryland | Yes (2021 reform) | Yes (PIA) | Minimum 180 days |
| Massachusetts | No statewide mandate | Public records law | Not specified |
| Michigan | No statewide mandate | FOIA exempt | Not specified |
| Minnesota | No statewide mandate | Government data (classified) | Not specified |
| Mississippi | No statewide mandate | Not specified | Not specified |
| Missouri | No statewide mandate | Closed records | Not specified |
| Montana | No statewide mandate | Not specified | Not specified |
| Nebraska | No statewide mandate | Not specified | Not specified |
| Nevada | Yes (AB 85) | Yes (NPRA) | Minimum 15 days |
| New Hampshire | No statewide mandate | Right-to-Know law | Not specified |
| New Jersey | Yes (AG directive) | OPRA applies | 180 days minimum |
| New Mexico | Yes (HB 68) | Yes (IPRA) | 120 days minimum |
| New York | No statewide mandate | FOIL (case-by-case) | Not specified |
| North Carolina | No statewide mandate | Not public record (court order needed) | Not specified |
| North Dakota | No statewide mandate | Open records law | Not specified |
| Ohio | No statewide mandate | Public record | Not specified |
| Oklahoma | No statewide mandate | Open Records Act | Not specified |
| Oregon | No statewide mandate | Public records law | Not specified |
| Pennsylvania | No statewide mandate | Right-to-Know law | Not specified |
| Rhode Island | No statewide mandate | APRA applies | Not specified |
| South Carolina | Yes (partial) | FOIA (with exemptions) | Minimum 1 year |
| South Dakota | No statewide mandate | Not specified | Not specified |
| Tennessee | No statewide mandate | Confidential (court order) | Not specified |
| Texas | No statewide mandate | PIA (with exceptions) | 90 days minimum |
| Utah | No statewide mandate | GRAMA applies | Not specified |
| Vermont | No statewide mandate | Public records law | Not specified |
| Virginia | No statewide mandate | FOIA (personnel exemption) | Not specified |
| Washington | No statewide mandate | PRA (with exemptions) | Not specified |
| West Virginia | No statewide mandate | FOIA applies | Not specified |
| Wisconsin | No statewide mandate | Open Records Law | Not specified |
| Wyoming | No statewide mandate | Not specified | Not specified |
Body camera requirements and policies vary significantly between jurisdictions even within the same state. Many departments have adopted body cameras voluntarily without state mandates. Local policies may provide additional requirements beyond state law.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.