Community groups gathered Thursday outside City Hall to tell lawmakers that the NYPD's policy on handling body cameras is too vague and potentially dangerous.
They say it could be used as a tool to encourage racial bias.
When News 12 reached out to the NYPD for comment, it re-sent the 53-page proposed policy on body camera usage that was released earlier this month. The NYPD insists that its bodycam rules offer accountability and improve trust between officers and the public. Cameras must be turned on at all times, except during interviews with informants or victims of sex crimes. The footage must be saved for at least one year.
Still, protesters say they worry about loopholes in the policy. Lurie Daniel Favors, of the Coalition United for Police Reform, says officers could possibly alter their statements based on what the footage shows.
The NYPD's federal monitor still needs to approve the proposed plan.
Body cameras are set to be launched at 20 precincts in an expanded pilot program later this year.