In Iowa, the decision to release police body camera footage lies with the police themselves, leading to significant delays, inconsistencies, and sometimes complete refusal to release the footage. This practice undermines public trust, fosters suspicion, and erodes transparency. We must demand change.

Currently, Iowa law does not mandate a specific timeline for the release of body camera footage. Sometimes footage is released within days, while in other instances it takes months, years, or is never released at all. This inconsistency is unacceptable and detrimental to the relationship between the police and the communities they are sworn to serve.

The state of Minnesota has set a precedent with a law enacted last year requiring police to release body camera footage within two weeks of any incident when deadly force is used. Iowa needs to follow this example to ensure accountability and transparency.

Consider these incidents:

• Iowa City: In 2022, an officer was caught on video punching a woman in handcuffs. The Iowa City Police Department released the body camera footage within two days, demonstrating prompt transparency.
• Cedar Rapids: The killing of David Vanderhamm in April of 2024 remains a mystery as we still await the release of the body camera footage.
• Burlington: Police withheld body cam footage of the "accidental" shooting of a mother for years. It wasn't until the Iowa FOI Council intervened, following a lawsuit by the family, that the footage was finally released.

The inconsistency in police departments following Iowa’s Open Records Law is unacceptable. Until videos are made public, it will be hard for anyone to build trust with the police. When footage is withheld, it only serves to make the police look guilty and suspicious. It's time for Iowa to make a change and restore the community's trust in law enforcement. We must demand that lawmakers in Iowa implement a law similar to Minnesota's, requiring the release of body camera footage within two weeks of an incident when deadly force is used.

Join us in demanding transparency and accountability from police departments in Iowa. Please sign this petition to urge Iowa lawmakers to enact a law requiring the timely release of police body camera footage. Our community deserves to know the truth, and our police must be held accountable. Thank you.