Exclusive | NYC Dems to ram through bill giving direct access to NYPD bodycams — which cops rip as ‘unnecessary’ power grab
The New York City Council is preparing to push through a hot‑button bill that would let the NYPD’s civilian watchdog directly pull body‑cam footage from police servers—something that the force is calling a “unnecessary” power grab, according to the New York Post.
Outgoing Council Speaker Adrienne Adams plans to bring the first-of-its-kind ordinance to a vote by the full 51‑member body next week. Sources say she’s already telling colleagues that the measure will become a key part of her “legacy.”
The proposal, introduced by Adams and supported by a wave of progressive lawmakers—including Democratic Socialists of America council members Tiffany Caban and Shahana Hanif—would grant the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) real‑time access to the NYPD’s video archives.
Police unions warn that the new law could push officers away, as it would expose the entire crew to a CCRB that now has far wider powers. Police Benevolent Association (PBA) President Patrick Hendry told reporters on Wednesday that “Council members need to understand the message they’re sending to the cops in their neighborhood.” He added, “The unfairness at CCRB is already a major factor driving police officers away from this job. By pushing this unnecessary and legally unfeasible bill to grant CCRB even more power, the Council is actually pushing more dedicated, talented cops out the door.”
Opponents—including the PBA and several council members—argue that the bill could violate state law. They point to the Clean Slate Act, which bars agencies from handing over large collections of criminal‑case evidence after a certain period or if the charges were dismissed. “This dangerous CCRB bill would force the NYPD to hand over sealed body‑cam footage in clear violation of state law, blowing up privacy protections and due process,” said moderate Democratic Councilman Bob Holden (Queens‑District 30). “Instead of backing our cops, the Council is pandering to an anti‑police board and putting public safety at risk,” he added. Holden, who is term‑limited, will leave office at the end of the year.
Today, investigators at the independent oversight agency must request footage from the department. The NYPD reviews the video before releasing it, slowing down the CCRB’s ability to act. The board has long complained that the police have been slow to comply, especially during investigations of officers’ conduct during the 2020 George Floyd protests.
Supporters say the new law would boost police transparency and speed up investigations. Roughly a dozen council members—six Republicans among them—oppose the measure, but the Post expects a vote on December 18 to push it through anyway.
Mayor Eric Adams hasn’t said whether he’d veto the bill if it passes before he leaves office at year‑end. Even if the mayor does veto, the incoming council will likely have the power to override it.
Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani, who takes office on January 1, 2026, has indicated that he supports expanding the CCRB’s powers, though he hasn’t yet spoken on this specific bill.
The city’s Office of Management and Budget estimates the program will cost about $10 million for the software, hardware, and staffing required to give the watchdog real‑time access to the videos. OMB predicts the cost could rise if a dedicated unit is needed to manage the data flow. In its fiscal impact summary, the council states it believes the NYPD’s existing IT unit can handle the new responsibilities.
“A council spokesperson said that all bills will comply with state law,” the Office added, “and that there will be a two‑year runway to develop the necessary software systems.”
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