Overland Park Police Revise Body Camera Footage Policy

New protocols aim to improve transparency following critical incidents

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:55pm

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The Overland Park Police Department in Kansas City, Missouri has announced revisions to its policy on releasing body-worn camera footage to the public. The updated guidelines, outlined in SOP 2160, prioritize public access to video evidence from officer-involved shootings and other use-of-force incidents, while still protecting investigative integrity and handling sensitive content.

Why it matters

The policy changes are meant to foster greater accountability and transparency between the police department and the community it serves. By committing to releasing body camera footage, even in cases where officer misconduct is not evident, OPPD aims to build public trust through open communication.

The details

Under the new policy, OPPD plans to make body-worn camera video available to the public following critical incidents like officer-involved shootings. Chief of Police Doreen Jokerst emphasized that the presence of officer misconduct would not be a factor in the decision to release footage. The revisions are intended to prioritize public access while still protecting investigative processes and handling sensitive content.

  • The policy changes were announced on February 4, 2026.

The players

Overland Park Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Overland Park, Kansas that has revised its body-worn camera footage policy.

Doreen Jokerst

The Chief of Police for the Overland Park Police Department who emphasized the department's commitment to transparency through the policy changes.

ACLU

The American Civil Liberties Union provided input during the process of revising the body camera footage policy.

Johnson County District Attorney

The district attorney's office for Johnson County, Kansas also provided input on the updated body camera footage policy.

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What they’re saying

“Trust is the foundation of effective policing. We recognize that in moments of crisis, the community expects and deserves clarity. SOP 2160 is a proactive step toward meeting those expectations, ensuring we remain accountable to the community we serve while protecting the integrity of the judicial process.”

— Doreen Jokerst, Chief of Police, Overland Park Police Department (kshb.com)

What’s next

The new body camera footage policy is set to take effect immediately, with the Overland Park Police Department expected to begin releasing video evidence from critical incidents in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Overland Park Police Department's revisions to its body-worn camera footage policy demonstrate a commitment to improving transparency and accountability with the community. By prioritizing public access to video evidence, even in cases where officer misconduct is not evident, the department aims to build trust and foster open communication.