Thurston County S.O.

Washington treats police body-worn camera footage as a public record under the Public Records Act, but with narrow privacy-driven exemptions. The key statutory framework is RCW 42.56.240 for BWC-specific exemptions, RCW 42.56.050 on privacy, and timing/appeal provisions in RCW 42.56.520, RCW 42.56.530, and RCW 42.56.550. Notable points: - In general, BWCs are public records; disclosure is presumed, but exemptions limit release when footage would invade privacy or jeopardize safety. - Directly involved individuals, their attorneys, and certain civil-rights advocates have special access rights to obtain recordings (potentially unredacted, subject to exemptions). - Agencies must retain BWCs for at least 60 days. - Requests must be answered within five business days; denials can be reviewed by the AG and/or superior court. - Requests must identify incident details (name, incident or case number, date/time, and officer involved). - The 2026 amendments to RCW 42.56.240 updated BWC exemptions; consult the current RCW text for precise scope.