NY S08649

Creates a police officer body-worn cameras program within the Department of Environmental Conservation requiring all officers to wear cameras while on patrol to increase accountability and evidence.

Mandates cameras record interactions including uses of force, arrests, summonses, searches, crimes in progress, interactions with emotionally disturbed persons, and any situation where officers feel imminent danger.

Allows officers at their discretion to not record sensitive encounters such as confidential informant meetings or strip searches, and may honor requests from the public to stop recording unless the officer determines a record is necessary.

Requires the Department to preserve all recordings, maintain secure records, ensure sufficient camera storage capacity, and provide officers access to functioning equipment.

Establishes an identical body-worn cameras program for regional state park police officers and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate instances where body cameras fail to record required events; takes effect 90 days after enactment.