OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A state appeals court has ruled that police dashboard camera videos are a public record subject to release under Oklahoma's Open Records Act.
In a Friday ruling, the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals overturned a decision by a Rogers County District Court judge that such videos were not a public record subject to disclosure.
The ruling was appealed by Vinita attorney Josh Lee — who often represents clients charged with alcohol and driving related criminal offenses.
Lee described the appellate court's ruling as a good ruling for "anyone who's a fan of open government." Open government advocates also praised the ruling as a victory for the public.
An attorney for the defendants in the case, including the city of Claremore, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.