Dash cameras are widely used by police departments to record traffic stops, patrols, and incidents. But one question often asked is: how long do police keep dash cam footage? The answer isn’t straightforward because the retention period varies depending on local laws, storage capacity, and the nature of the incident.
How Long Do Police Keep Dash Cam Footage?
In this guide, we’ll break down the factors influencing retention periods, compare dash cam footage with body cam recordings, and explain why some videos are kept longer than others.
Typical Retention Periods for Police Dash Cam Footage
In most cases, police dash cam footage is kept anywhere from 30 to 90 days if it does not involve evidence in a case. After that period, the footage may be automatically deleted to free up storage space.
However, if the recording is connected to an arrest, investigation, or court case, the footage can be kept for months or even years until all legal matters are resolved.
Factors Influencing Retention Periods
Several factors determine how long police keep dash cam footage:
- Local and State Laws – Some jurisdictions set strict rules for retention, such as a minimum of 60 or 90 days.
- Storage Capacity – Video storage can be expensive, so departments often delete non-essential footage after a set period.
- Type of Incident – Footage tied to criminal cases, DUI arrests, or civil lawsuits is usually kept longer.
- Freedom of Information Requests – If someone requests a copy of footage before it expires, it may be preserved.
- Internal Policies – Each police department sets its own guidelines that may exceed state requirements.
Dash Cam Footage vs. Body Cam Recordings
You may also wonder: how long do police keep body cam recordings compared to dash cams?
- Body cam recordings are typically stored for 90 to 180 days if they don’t involve evidence.
- Dash cam footage is usually stored for a shorter period, often 30 to 90 days.
Both, however, follow the same rule: if the footage is linked to a case, it must be preserved until the case is officially closed.
Why Footage May Be Kept Longer
Some circumstances require extended retention, including:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Internal affairs reviews of officer conduct
- Court-ordered preservation
- Public complaints or misconduct allegations
In these cases, footage may remain in storage for several years.
Can You Request Police Dash Cam Footage?
Yes. In many regions, citizens can request access to police dash cam footage under Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests or local public records laws. However, access may be restricted if the footage is part of an active investigation.
Final Thoughts
So, how long do police keep dash cam footage?
- On average, 30 to 90 days if it’s routine.
- Months or years if it’s part of a legal matter.
The exact time depends on factors influencing retention periods such as state laws, storage limits, and the importance of the incident. If you need access to dash cam footage, filing a records request before the automatic deletion window passes is essential.
Key Takeaway: Police dash cam and body cam footage retention is not indefinite. Routine clips are deleted within a few months, while evidence-related recordings are kept until justice is served.