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Council enacts emergency rule to release MPD body-worn camera footage when federal officers are involved in serious force incidents
Summary
The D.C. Council unanimously approved emergency legislation requiring the public release of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) body-worn camera recordings and officer names when serious uses of force involve both MPD and federal officers; sponsors said the change responds to community concerns after recent federal-involved shootings.
The Council of the District of Columbia on March 3 approved an emergency measure requiring public release of MPD body-worn camera (BWC) recordings and, when available, the names of officers involved in serious uses of force that include federal officers alongside MPD. Councilmember Pinto, sponsor of the emergency declaration, said the change responds to widespread public concern after a December hearing with more than 130 witnesses and recent incidents in which federal agents fired on district residents.
"DC residents deserve transparency about what is happening with federal agents in our communities, especially when our MPD is on the scene," Councilmember Pinto said, arguing that public access to footage and basic identifying information is necessary for accountability. Pinto said the emergency version also clarifies limited retroactivity so footage available since 08/01/2025 can be released without unintentionally penalizing MPD officers for prior review practices.
Supporters cited a pattern of unclear reports and community trauma when federal officers have used force. Chair Phil Mendelson said the measure fits the council's commitment to accountability and public trust and the body voted to adopt the emergency declaration and underlying temporary amendment without objection.
The bill requires MPD to include in its public BWC database recordings of officer-involved deaths and serious uses of force where MPD officers were present and to list the names of involved officers as available; sponsors said it will also require MPD to document when federal officers decline to identify themselves. Pinto said she plans to introduce a permanent version of the bill and hold a hearing to expand data collection and oversight.
The declaration and conforming temporary amendment were passed unanimously. The emergency sponsors said the measure addresses community demands for transparency while they pursue longer-term, permanent reforms.
