The integration of new technology into law enforcement offers opportunities for greater accountability and creates new legal frontiers involving privacy, evidence access, and open records laws.

In New Jersey, police are required to wear body cameras (body cameras) to document their interactions with the public. The body-worn camera recordings are considered government records and the subject of legal controversies over to whom and in what circumstances the recordings can be released. As access to body-cam footage expands, recordings may be released even when law enforcement has declined to press charges.

If you are involved in a criminal matter in New Jersey and have concerns about your privacy, the Lento Law Firm can partner with you. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help you understand the investigative and legal process, including who may be able to obtain body-worn camera recordings. Contact the Lento Law Firm offices at (888)535-3686 or online to work with our Criminal Defense Team.

New Jersey Supreme Court Orders Release of Body-Cam Footage

As reported by the New Jersey Monitor, the New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously ordered the release of police body-worn camera footage to the individual appearing in the recording. The case involved Antonio Fuster, who made a report to Chatham police after his child with special needs accused an adult male relative of sexual misconduct. The police declined to charge the accused relative.

According to the report, Fuster was concerned that the officers' written reports did not reflect his statements and asked for the camera footage. Chatham officials declined to release the recording, citing the privacy rights of people accused of, but not charged, with crimes and arguing that the disclosure did not serve the public interest and would impede police investigations.

In its decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court explained that Fuster was the main subject of the body-worn camera recording and that withholding the recording of his own complaint did not protect any significant privacy interest.

For anyone involved in a police investigation, the recent decision may leave you feeling vulnerable or exposed. After all, the disclosure of recordings that include content about you could prove harmful to you or your loved ones.

There remains considerable confusion about the public disclosure of body-cam videos. Lawsuits are likely to continue, with opposing sides advocating for greater transparency and disclosure or for protecting the privacy rights of individuals appearing in or named in the recordings.

Let the Lento Law Firm Help You Navigate the New Jersey Criminal Justice System

At the Lento Law Firm, we believe that every person involved in a criminal investigation is entitled to due process. If you have been questioned about or accused of a crime, the Lento Law Firm can help you navigate the criminal investigation or proceeding.

The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can answer your questions about the New Jersey criminal justice system and the release of police records and recordings. To discuss your case with our experienced criminal defense attorneys, contact us at (888)535-3686 or submit a confidential online consultation form.