The public is entitled to access footage from police “dashcams” under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law if the recordings aren't part of an investigation, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled in a divided opinion.

In holding that video footage from police car dashcams is not always exempt from public disclosure under exceptions to the RTKL reserved for investigative materials, the majority opinion represents a significant step forward for groups seeking greater accountability for law enforcement at a time when police conduct, particularly use of force, is under increased scrutiny.

The case, Pennsylvania State Police v. Grove, stems from Centre County resident Michelle Grove's request for state police dashcam footage of a nearby traffic accident. The police denied her request, and she petitioned the state's Office of Open Records, which ultimately sided with her.

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