Dash Cam Ruling Causes Concern

A New Jersey judge has ruled that police dash cam videos are a part of the public record, but the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office is planning an appeal.

That means anyone could access those recordings at any time, simply by filing a request under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA).  Police departments would also not be allowed to withhold videos on the grounds that they are part of an ongoing investigation.

Al Della Fave with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office says they have no problem with the release itself.

"If a defendant decides that it's to their benefit that it be released, well then, fine," Della Fave said.  "After indictment, once both parties file for discovery, if a prosecution or defense decides they want to put it out, fine."

Della Fave says the reason his office wants to reverse the ruling by Superior Court Judge Vincent Grasso comes down to the issue of timing.  As it stands, the videos would have to be made available immediately following the incident in question.

"There should be restrictions with regard to the timing of the video," Della Fave said.  "It should wait until either the case is closed out, an indictment is sent forward, or if the individuals involved with the case decide it should be put out."