Wyoming has become the 50th state to mandate police body cameras during all law enforcement encounters, completing a nationwide requirement that advocates have pushed for since 2014.
National Standards
- All 50 states now require body cameras
- Cameras must be active during all citizen encounters
- Footage retained minimum 90 days (up to 3 years for use-of-force)
- Public records requests for footage within 14 days
Studies show body cameras reduce use-of-force incidents by 25% and citizen complaints by 50%. The cameras also protect officers from false accusations, with 35% of complaints dismissed based on footage evidence.
