DETROIT – Detroit police cannot release body camera footage of use-of-force incidents — and haven’t been able to for months — because of a court order stemming from a police union lawsuit.
A temporary restraining order has been in place since Jan. 13, blocking the Detroit Police Department from releasing body-worn camera footage of serious incidents, including those involving deadly force.
The last critical incident video posted by DPD on YouTube was dated Dec. 14 — meaning the public has gone roughly six months without access to footage.
Detroit police Chief Todd Bettison said the department wants to release the footage but simply cannot.
“When that is handled in court, you’ll start seeing officer-involved shooting videos released,” Bettison said.
In October 2025, the Detroit City Council approved an ordinance requiring DPD to release publicly, within 30 days, body-worn or dashboard camera footage of any incident in which an officer causes great bodily harm.
The ordinance also required the city to create and maintain a publicly accessible website or portal dedicated to posting that footage.
After the ordinance passed, the Detroit Police Officers Association filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court, arguing the ordinance violates their collective bargaining agreement.
It could expose officers’ personal information, putting them in danger.
The TRO will remain in effect until the lawsuit is resolved. It is not clear how long that will take.
The legal standoff was front and center this week after activists gathered outside DPD’s 3rd Precinct Wednesday, demanding the release of body camera footage from a police shooting that occurred downtown on the night of the Ford Fireworks.
--> Activists demand release of bodycam footage after police shooting near fireworks in Downtown Detroit
The rally focused on the June 22 shooting of 18-year-old Alonzo Lee-Perkins. Police said Lee-Perkins was armed when he ran from officers. He has since been charged with carrying a concealed weapon, resisting and obstructing a police officer, and felony firearm.
The shooting remains under investigation by Michigan State Police.
Willie Burton, Detroit police commissioner emeritus, called on the department to act at the rally.
“As a police commissioner emeritus, I’m calling to release the damn video, make the video public,” Burton said.
Retired Detroit Police Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt said he understands why the union pushed back — but believes the courts need to prioritize the case.
“I get what they are doing. They are trying to protect their officers, but again, body camera more often than not exonerates the officer,” Dolunt said.
Dolunt said the delay is doing a disservice to both officers and the public.
“It’s the judge’s docket, I get it, but I think they should move this up for transparency for both police and the citizens. They deserve a chance to.”