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Will Detroit law on police bodycam footage create transparency?

October 29, 2025

The Detroit City Council passed a new ordinance 8-1 requiring police to publicly release body camera footage within 30 days when officers discharge firearms at people or cause serious injury. Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway introduced the measure after a year of development, acknowledging it contains imperfections but can be amended over time like other legislation. However, police accountability advocates and community groups opposed the final version due to numerous exceptions that allow delays or exemptions, including footage from federal task forces, ongoing investigations, and potential civil litigation concerns.

Who is affected

  • Detroit residents and community members concerned about police accountability
  • Detroit Police Department officers and leadership
  • Individuals and families involved in police shooting incidents or serious use-of-force cases
  • Coalition for Police Transparency and Accountability advocacy group
  • Wayne County Prosecutor's Office
  • Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero (cast the lone dissenting vote)
  • Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway (ordinance sponsor)
  • Police Chief Todd Bettison and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy (consulted on language)
  • Board of Police Commissioners candidates Victoria Camille and Scotty Boman

What action is being taken

  • The Detroit Police Department is releasing body camera footage of police shootings within 30 days (according to Commander Michael Parish's statement)
  • Early voting for elections has started
  • Commander Michael Parish is compiling data to estimate how many incidents would be subject to the new ordinance

Why it matters

  • This ordinance represents a significant step toward police transparency in Detroit by mandating public release of body camera footage in critical incidents, addressing longstanding community demands for accountability. However, the numerous exceptions and loopholes undermine its effectiveness, creating tension between advocates seeking genuine transparency and officials concerned about protecting investigations and legal proceedings. The controversy highlights the ongoing struggle between police accountability and institutional concerns, with community trust remaining fractured—as evidenced by resident Jacob Smith's explicit statement that "We do not trust (police)." The ordinance's success or failure will impact whether Detroit residents can meaningfully oversee police conduct and whether similar reforms in other cities adopt stronger or weaker transparency standards.

What's next

  • The ordinance can be amended in the future to address concerns and loopholes (as stated by Whitfield-Calloway)
  • The Detroit Police Department will begin implementing the 30-day release requirement
  • Commander Michael Parish will compile data on incidents subject to the ordinance
  • City Council will not meet on Tuesday, Nov. 4, due to the general election, with that meeting rescheduled to Friday, Nov. 14
  • The 2025 legislative session ends Nov. 25
  • Another council recess day is scheduled for Nov. 11

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com

Will Detroit law on police bodycam footage create transparency?