Virginia – Norfolk considers policy for releasing police body camera footage

Norfolk city officials are considering a new police that would release footage from body cameras worn by police. The city’s prosecutor supports the idea, The Virginian Pilot reports. However, it is still unclear as to when police would publicly release the camera footage and how it could impact prosecutions and investigations. The shooting of a mentally ill man by police in June ignited the discussion. Although police say the man lunged at officers with a knife, the city has refused to release the footage. Norfolk police began using body cameras last year. At the time, the police chief said they would hold officers more accountable and increase transparency.