NYPD Must Release Body Cam Footage When Weapons Are Fired: Mayor

NEW YORK CITY — The NYPD must release body-worn camera footage to the public after firing a weapon, injuring or killing a civilian, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday.

"We recognize the power of body-worn cameras," de Blasio said. "When people see this kind of transparency, it will build trust."

The new policy, which will take effect immediately, mandates the NYPD publish online video of guns fired in public spaces, tasers launched and uses of force that result in death or severe injury.

The move comes one day after Commissioner Dermot Shea disbanded precinct-level plainclothes units and redeploying roughly 600 anti-crime cops to other departments.

De Blasio applauded the policy change Tuesday.

"The anti-crime unit does not make sense in this day and age," de Blasio said. "We have better ways of policing."

The Mayor declined to specify what other means of limiting the scope of police power he'll consider, but said New Yorkers can expect more information in the next two weeks.

"We're going to be in a real conversation with City Council about some of these options," de Blasio said. "It will be very much connected to conversations about the budget."