Pa. court rules police videos can be public records
A Pennsylvania court says police videos recorded in public places are subject to public disclosure, although they may contain investigative portions that can be redacted.
A three-judge Commonwealth Court panel said in Tuesday’s decision that mobile video recorders show how police carry out their duties. The judges say that’s “at the core” of the Right-to-Know Law’s goal of helping people scrutinize public officials and hold them accountable.
The case involves a woman’s request for two recordings of state troopers at the scene of an accident near State College.
The judges are ordering the release of a video-only recording.
The other recording includes audio of troopers’ interviews with the drivers. The judges say the audio of those conversations can be redacted.
State police spokeswoman Maria Finn declined comment.
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