Los Angeles County S.D.

Short summary for reporters: (1) California law treats body-camera footage as public-records subject to the CPRA but creates both mandatory-disclosure rules for certain police‑misconduct/critical incidents (SB 1421) and limited, time‑bound exceptions for active investigations (AB 748). (2) For incidents that meet the 'critical incident' definition (officer fires at person, or use-of-force resulting in death/great bodily injury), agencies must disclose recordings unless they show that disclosure would substantially interfere with an active investigation — initial delay allowed up to 45 days, with possible extensions up to one year (and beyond only on clear‑and‑convincing showing). (3) Agencies must have BWC policies and retention schedules (Pen. Code §832.18). (4) Any person can request footage under the CPRA; if denied, you can demand a written basis and may sue to compel disclosure. ([leginfo.legislature.ca.gov](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB748))