Ohio police may charge $75/hour for body cam footage

A new law in Ohio allows police departments to charge up to $75 per hour for body camera and dash cam video records starting April 2. However, many local police agencies are still deciding their policies regarding these charges. The law was created to help reduce the number of public records requests, especially from individuals looking to profit from posting videos online. The Dayton Police Department is among those considering the new regulations. They have seen a significant increase in public requests for video footage, jumping from 1,300 requests in 2023 to over 3,000 in 2024. Processing these requests can be costly and labor-intensive, particularly when the department must protect the identities of victims and suspects. Montgomery County's Sheriff Office currently has no plans to change its policy of only charging for materials needed to deliver the videos. They are waiting to see if the new law will deter mass requests from users seeking commercial use. Other departments, like those in Springfield and Kettering, are also holding off on changes, maintaining their current practices while they evaluate the potential impact of the new law. Some agencies, such as the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, are specifically targeting commercial requests. Sheriff Dave Duchak said that their additional charges will help address what he sees as an abuse of open records laws for profit. In contrast, Oakwood has decided to charge all requesters, including journalists and citizens, to cover administrative costs. Tipp City will also implement a uniform charge of $75 an hour, maximum of $750, placing fairness at the forefront of their policy. As departments review their strategies, responses indicate a cautious approach, reflecting concerns over managing the workload posed by public records requests.