The Citizens Police Oversight Commission Audit Examines Body-Worn Camera Compliance in Philadelphias 24th District

The Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) released an audit today detailing body-worn camera (BWC) compliance by officers in Philadelphia’s 24th District. The audit found that 71% of officers appropriately recorded footage during incidents, but only 54% of these videos adhered to all compliance criteria. Conducted on a sample of 75 incident reports from January 2025, the review revealed that 88% of incidents that required BWC footage were recorded. However, significant gaps were noted, including late activation and early deactivation, with 94% of videos failing to provide the necessary verbal explanations for deactivation. CPOC has recommended that supervisors reinforce activation protocols during roll calls and ensure cameras are ready to record during patrols.

The Commission also plans to conduct further audits across four districts to enhance compliance with BWC protocols. CPOC emphasizes that many compliance issues may stem from inadequate training rather than intentional misconduct. By addressing these weaknesses, CPOC aims to strengthen accountability and public trust in the use of body-worn cameras.