On Tuesday, the state of New York's appeals panel ruled that police body camera footage can be accessed and viewed by the public. The Daily News reported this was a blow to detractors such as the city's largest police union which cited Civil Rights Law 50-A that argues camera footage is a personnel record and should be kept secret. 

A Manhattan mid-level appeals court disagreed with the police union and lifted a temporary restraining order put in place by 50-A since May 2018. The appeals court stated it was "tasked with considering the record’s general nature and use, not solely whether it may be contemplated for use in a performance evaluation.”

Make sure you're following Blavity:Politics on Instagram and join our daily newsletter to stay engaged and informed.

Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (PBA) President Patrick Lynch said the police union might appeal.

“We believe that the court’s decision is wrong, that it will have a negative impact on public safety and on the safety of our members,” Lynch said.

NYPD Police Commissioner James O’Neill said the panel's ruling was "an important step forward for transparency."

"Not only is the public entitled to this information, but this footage overwhelmingly shows just how brave, skilled and dedicated our cops are every single day in the service of the people of New York City,” O’Neill said in a statement.

Now, check this out:

A 16-Year-Old Was Repeatedly Punched In The Head While Being Arrested In Delaware

Sexual Assault Survivor Granted Parole After Decades Long Incarceration

New Tip Could Further Link Brothers Arrested In Alleged Jussie Smollett Attack With The Actor