25 Investigates finds access to body camera footage inconsistent in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has announced over $10 million in grants to launch body camera programs in more than 110 police departments.

25 Investigates sent out public records requests to 316 local police departments statewide seeking copies of policies, stipends paid to officers, storage costs, as well as body camera footage released to the public in 2023 .

25 Investigates found instances where Boston ’s Civilian Review Board found officers did not keep their body-worn cameras on for the entirety of interactions with the public.

Rep. Russell Holmes said he supports the expansion of body cameras by police as well as correctional officers.

He hopes lawmakers will make headway on legislation addressing body camera footage this year .

Southborough’s Select Board in 2022 approved the use of $ 38,922 in pandemic relief funds for “police body camera data storage and warranties” Some police departments used in-house servers to store footage, while others use cloud servers that can cost below $1,000 a year.

Police agencies can decline to release records that could jeopardize an investigation under Massachusetts ’ open records law if they are clear about how the release could hurt prosecution.