NYCLU Statement on NYPD’s Use of 50-a

NEW YORK- Yesterday, the NYPD announced that they would stop using section 50-a of the state’s civil rights law to deny disclosure for arrest reports or body camera footage. The following statement is attributable to NYCLU Legal Director, Christopher Dunn. 

“The NYPD’s announcement yesterday that it will stop using section 50-a in limited cases changes nothing. The department has already conceded in court that police records and body camera footage are not protected by 50-a. While it is encouraging that the NYPD will be complying with the law, full repeal of 50-a remains essential.”