If you appear in police body-worn footage, you have the right to request a copy of it under Subject Access Request (SAR). SAR is governed by data protection laws, specifically the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Your request should be made to the police force that recorded the footage. Requests should be as specific as possible, including details like date, time, and location. However, the police may refuse or redact parts of the video if it contains third-party data, ongoing investigation material, or information deemed to compromise law enforcement operations.
If the police refuse to provide the footage or heavily redact it, there are legal avenues you can pursue. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can review whether the refusal was lawful, but they have no power to compel release. In cases where the footage is critical evidence for legal proceedings, a court order may be necessary. If you are charged with an offence, your defence team can request BWV disclosure through criminal case procedures.
Copper Stopper provides a detailed, practical guide on using SAR to obtain body-worn video, as well as other key policing records. It explains what police can and cannot withhold, how to make an effective request, and what to do if you are denied access.
