A Manhattan appeals judge blocked city officials from releasing police body camera footage until an appellate panel hears arguments on a case filed by the police union to keep the videos private.
The appellate panel is expected to rule by the end of the year.
“Each time the NYPD illegally and arbitrarily released body-worn camera footage, they are harming police officers’ safety,” said Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.
“We are grateful for this judge’s ruling and look forward to bringing our case before the full appellate panel,” Lynch said.
Appellate Division Justice Rosalyn Richter granted the stay Monday, halting a May 3 decision by a lower court that said the footage could be released.
The PBA had sued the mayor and police commissioner in January claiming they were breaking the law by selectively publishing the videos and trading cops’ safety for political gain.
Richter did add an exception to the stay — saying that the mayor or commissioner could come before the court for permission to release individual videos.
A city Law Department spokesman said, “We are disappointed with this interim ruling. The whole idea behind the Body Worn Camera program is to ensure transparency and accountability for the public.”