Requires that each police officer and peace officer involved in the execution of a search warrant wear a functioning and unobstructed body camera that shall be active prior to and throughout the execution of the search and during any related action following the execution of the search warrant.
Summary
A07202 would require that any search warrant execution in New York be recorded with a functioning, unobstructed body camera or other video recording device. It also extends that requirement beyond search warrants to any entry onto a property or premises by a police officer or peace officer, including entries made with consent, under exigent circumstances, or otherwise authorized by law. In those situations, the officer must turn on the camera before entering and keep it active throughout the occupation of the premises and any related actions afterward, such as securing people or evidence.
The bill defines “police officer” and “peace officer” by reference to existing Criminal Procedure Law definitions and would take effect 30 days after becoming law. Its practical effect would be to create a statewide recording mandate for a broad range of law-enforcement entries, not just planned warrant service, and to make body-camera activation a condition of lawful execution or entry under the bill’s terms.
Impact
The bill would amend the Criminal Procedure Law, specifically section 690.50, by adding a new subdivision requiring video recording during search warrant executions and by imposing a separate statewide body-camera requirement for police and peace officer entries onto premises. It would affect law enforcement agencies, officers, and peace officers by mandating that recording devices be functioning, unobstructed, and active before entry and throughout the relevant law-enforcement activity. The measure would likely require agencies to ensure equipment availability, training, and compliance procedures for warrant service, consent entries, emergency entries, and related post-entry actions.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a transparency and accountability proposal for law enforcement. The overall sentiment suggested by the bill’s sponsor is favorable toward increased documentation of police conduct during searches and entries, with the apparent goal of creating a clear record of what occurs during these encounters. No formal vote history or transcript is provided, so there is no documented legislative opposition or support to assess beyond the bill’s stated purpose.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be the breadth of the mandate. Because the bill covers not only search warrants but also consent entries, exigent circumstances, and other authorized entries, critics may argue it is operationally burdensome, difficult to implement in fast-moving situations, or could create compliance issues when cameras are unavailable or obstructed. Supporters would likely emphasize accountability, evidence preservation, and protection for both civilians and officers. Another possible issue is how the requirement would apply in emergencies, though the bill expressly states that the camera must be activated even in exigent or emergency circumstances.
Same As
Requires that each police officer and peace officer involved in the execution of a search warrant wear a functioning and unobstructed body camera that shall be active prior to and throughout the execution of the search and during any related action following the execution of the search warrant.
Requires that each police officer and peace officer involved in the execution of a search warrant wear a functioning and unobstructed body camera that shall be active prior to and throughout the execution of the search and during any related action following the execution of the search warrant.