Requesting Body-Worn Camera Footage

The Records Unit within University Police and Public Safety (UPPS) will handle public requests for audio/video recording in accordance with Pennsylvania law, Act 22, and UPPS policy and when responding to requests for body-worn camera (BWC) footage.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Act 22, a request by a private citizen or member of the news media shall be made within 60 days of the date the BWC recording was made. Requests shall be in writing to the Program Administrator by personal delivery or certified mail with proof of service. Requests must specify with particularity the incident or event that is the subject of the BWC recording, including the date, time and location of the incident or event. The request must include a statement describing the requester's relationship to the incident or event that is the subject of the BWC recording. If the incident or event that is the subject of the audio recording or video recording occurred inside a residence, the request shall identify each individual who was present at the time of the audio recording or video recording unless not known and not reasonably ascertainable, in which case the request must state with particularly why this information is not reasonably ascertainable.

Certified mail or personal delivery of requests shall be submitted to:

BWC Program Administrator

Police Records

University Police and Public Safety

180 University Support Bldg. 1

University Park, PA 16802

UPPS shall respond to a request within 30 days of receipt of the request, unless the requester and law enforcement agency agree to a longer time period. In the absence of a written response within 30 days, or an agreement to extend the time to respond, the request shall be deemed denied as unauthorized under Act 22 and UPPS Policy.

If a request is granted, the requesting party shall pay all reasonable fees relating to the costs incurred to disclose the BWC recording at the time of disclosure of the BWC recording.

UPPS shall deny a request in writing within 30 days if the department determines that a BWC recording contains:

• potential evidence in a criminal matter;
• information pertaining to an investigation or a matter in which a criminal charge has been filed;
• confidential information or victim information and the reasonable redaction of the audio or video recording would not safeguard potential evidence;
• information pertaining to an investigation;
• confidential information;
• or victim information.

UPPS may release video publicly in response to public interest. Any public release of video will comply with applicable laws, not hinder ongoing investigations, and must be approved by the relevant district attorney's office prior to release.

A written denial shall state that reasonable redaction of the audio recording or video recording would not safeguard potential evidence, information pertaining to an investigation, confidential information or victim information.

Release of BWC recordings in connection with any litigation, subpoena, or legal process, will be governed by UPPS policy, University police regarding subpoenas, Act 22, and in coordination with the Office of General Counsel.

When a matter that is the subject of BWC footage is referred to the University Office of Student Conduct (OSC), any request that BWC footage shall be made available to the OSC shall be made by the OSC to the Body Worn Camera Program Administrator. BWC footage shall be made available, subject to any applicable limitations of disclosure pursuant to a public request under Act 22, any other applicable law, and related UPPS policies.