Request for Existing BWC &/ MVC Footage & Requests
Dear Ridgewood Police Department,
Please accept this electronic request for public records made under OPRA and the common law right of access. I am not required to fill out an official form or use a particular software platform to submit my request per N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f), which states that an email from a requestor containing all required information shall suffice as a valid records request.
I HAVE NOT been convicted of any indictable offense under the laws of New Jersey, any other state, or the United States.
I WILL NOT use the requested government records for a commercial purpose.
I AM NOT seeking records in connection with any legal proceeding.
I request copies of all OPRA requests received by your agency from January 1, 2025, to the present that sought Body-Worn Camera (BWC) or Motor Vehicle Camera (MVC) footage. I also request copies of the BWC or MVC videos that were already located, reviewed, and released in response to those prior OPRA requests.
To minimize agency workload, I clarify that I am not requesting the identification or search of any new incidents or any new footage. I am requesting only materials that already exist, that have already been gathered and reviewed, and that have already been released to previous requestors. I will accept all records in whatever digital format they currently exist.
These records are disclosable government records under OPRA. Prior OPRA requests and any responsive footage that has already been released are public records, and previously disclosed BWC or MVC footage cannot later be withheld under investigatory exemptions. Because these items have already undergone legal review, producing them again does not require new exemption analysis, redaction, or investigation.
Thank you for your assistance.
Yours faithfully,
Joe P
Dear Joe P,
This email acknowledges receipt of your OPRA request dated December 8th, 2025. Before we can begin processing the request, we need clarification on several points so that we can identify the correct records and determine what materials are still available.
1. Clarification of which prior OPRA requests you are seeking
Your request states that you want copies of OPRA requests from January 1, 2025 to the present that sought Body Worn Camera or Motor Vehicle Camera footage. To proceed, please confirm which category you intend:
• All OPRA requests that asked for BWC or MVC footage, even if the request was withdrawn, denied, or did not result in the release of footage
or
• Only OPRA requests in which BWC or MVC footage was actually located and released
We cannot determine which items to pull without knowing which category you want. OPRA requires access to identifiable existing records, and we cannot create new lists or research outcomes without clear direction.
2. Delivery method for video files
Please be aware that our agency uses a secure electronic delivery system that sends video files through individual time limited links. These links are generated for each request and cannot be reopened, forwarded, or shared with third party platforms. Because of this limitation, we cannot upload or transmit BWC or MVC files through the OPRA Machine website.
If you are requesting previously released video files that we still retain, we will need a valid email address where we can send the secure link directly to you.
As another option, you may arrange to pick up a physical copy in person or send by mail. Please note that any physical media such as a DVD, CD, or USB drive will require a fee in accordance with the applicable OPRA fee schedule.
3. Retention schedule considerations
Please also be aware that BWC and MVC files are subject to state retention schedules. Some videos may no longer exist if they have reached their required retention period and were purged. We can only provide video files that are still retained by the agency.
4. Timeline and possible additional time
Once we receive your clarification, we will resume processing your request and respond within the standard seven business day period. However, depending on the volume of records involved and the time required to retrieve and review archived materials, additional time may be necessary. If an extension is required, we will notify you in writing as required under OPRA.
Please provide the clarification requested above, along with the email address you would like us to use for secure delivery of any electronic files or the other options of receiving footage.
Sincerely,
Ridgewood Police Department
t: 201.670.5500
f: 551.305.6394
131 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
This message, including any prior messages and attachments, may contain advisory, consultative and/or deliberative material, confidential information or privileged communications of The Ridgewood Police Department. Access to this message by anyone other than the sender and the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or not taken in reliance on it, without the expressed written consent of the Village, is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, you should not save, scan, transmit, print, use or disseminate this message or any information contained in this message in any way and you should promptly delete or destroy this message and all copies of it. Please notify the sender by return e-mail if you have received this message in error.
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
This message, including any prior messages and attachments, may contain advisory, consultative and/or deliberative material, confidential information or privileged communications of The Ridgewood Police Department. Access to this message by anyone other than the sender and the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or not taken in reliance on it, without the expressed written consent of the Village, is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, you should not save, scan, transmit, print, use or disseminate this message or any information contained in this message in any way and you should promptly delete or destroy this message and all copies of it. Please notify the sender by return e-mail if you have received this message in error.
-----Original Message-----
From: Joe P <[OPRA #84170 email]>
Sent: Monday, December 8, 2025 6:11 PM
To: RPD - Records <[Ridgewood Police Department request email]>
Subject: OPRA request - Request for Existing BWC &/ MVC Footage & Requests
Dear Ridgewood Police Department,
Please accept this electronic request for public records made under OPRA and the common law right of access. I am not required to fill out an official form or use a particular software platform to submit my request per N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f), which states that an email from a requestor containing all required information shall suffice as a valid records request.
I HAVE NOT been convicted of any indictable offense under the laws of New Jersey, any other state, or the United States.
I WILL NOT use the requested government records for a commercial purpose.
I AM NOT seeking records in connection with any legal proceeding.
I request copies of all OPRA requests received by your agency from January 1, 2025, to the present that sought Body-Worn Camera (BWC) or Motor Vehicle Camera (MVC) footage. I also request copies of the BWC or MVC videos that were already located, reviewed, and released in response to those prior OPRA requests.
To minimize agency workload, I clarify that I am not requesting the identification or search of any new incidents or any new footage. I am requesting only materials that already exist, that have already been gathered and reviewed, and that have already been released to previous requestors. I will accept all records in whatever digital format they currently exist.
These records are disclosable government records under OPRA. Prior OPRA requests and any responsive footage that has already been released are public records, and previously disclosed BWC or MVC footage cannot later be withheld under investigatory exemptions. Because these items have already undergone legal review, producing them again does not require new exemption analysis, redaction, or investigation.
Thank you for your assistance.
Yours faithfully,
Joe P
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please deliver records electronically via email to the below UNIQUE address for all replies to this request:
[OPRA #84170 email]
Is [Ridgewood Police Department request email] the wrong address for OPRA requests to Ridgewood Police Department? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://opramachine.com/change_request/n...
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://opramachine.com/help/officers
View this OPRA request & responses online:
https://opramachine.com/request/request_...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an OPRA custodian, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organization's website.
"OPRAmachine’s mission is to give people easy and affordable access to New Jersey public records.
For more information, contact us at: (732) 707-1628 or PO Box 3180, New Brunswick, NJ 08903."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice: You are advised that copies of correspondence, including e-mail correspondence and attachments, between the public and the Village of Ridgewood are obtainable by any person filing a request under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) unless subject to a specific OPRA exception. There should be no expectation that the content of emails exchanged between the public and municipal officials and employees will remain private.
Dear Ridgewood Police Department,
Thank you for your email and for acknowledging my OPRA request.
1. Scope of prior OPRA requests:
Apologies for the confusion, I thought I had wrote "successful and completed" request but I guess not haha! I intended to request only the successful and completed OPRA requests from January 1, 2025 to the present in which BWC and/or MVC footage was actually located and released.
2. Delivery of video files:
Please send any secure electronic delivery links to the same email address associated with this OPRA request.
For clarification, I am using OPRAMachine Pro, and this request is private. No third parties can view it, so sending secure links directly to the email on file will not expose the footage to the public.
3. Retention schedules:
Thank you for the note regarding retention periods. I understand that only video files still retained under the applicable schedule can be provided.
4. Timeline:
Acknowledged as well. Once clarification is applied, I appreciate that the standard seven-business-day window resumes and that extensions may be required depending on volume.
Please let me know if anything else is needed in order to continue processing the request.
Sincerely,
Joe P
Good Afternoon,
The Ridgewood Police Department received your clarification email regarding your Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request on December 10, 2025. This email serves as the Department’s official response to your request for records.
Regarding your request to access only successful and completed OPRA requests from January 1, 2025:
OPRA Requests – Access Granted with Redactions
Access is granted with redactions for the following reasons:
Phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses have been redacted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 (Privacy Interest), which provides that a public agency has a responsibility and obligation to safeguard a citizen’s personal information when disclosure would violate a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Body-Worn Camera (BWC) and Motor Vehicle Camera (MVC) Footage
Access is granted to the requested BWC and MVC footage. One case number does not contain video due to the applicable retention period:
Case Number: 24-25273
Attached, please find the responsive OPRA requests. A separate email containing the video footage will be sent to you from [email address].
At this time, your OPRA request is considered fulfilled and closed.
Thank you,
Ridgewood Police Department
t: 201.670.5500
f: 551.305.6394
131 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
This message, including any prior messages and attachments, may contain advisory, consultative and/or deliberative material, confidential information or privileged communications of The Ridgewood Police Department. Access to this message by anyone other than the sender and the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or not taken in reliance on it, without the expressed written consent of the Village, is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, you should not save, scan, transmit, print, use or disseminate this message or any information contained in this message in any way and you should promptly delete or destroy this message and all copies of it. Please notify the sender by return e-mail if you have received this message in error.
-----Original Message-----
From: Joe P <[OPRA #84170 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 11:06 PM
To: rpdredactions <[email address]>
Subject: RE: OPRA request - Request for Existing BWC &/ MVC Footage & Requests
Dear Ridgewood Police Department,
Thank you for your email and for acknowledging my OPRA request.
1. Scope of prior OPRA requests:
Apologies for the confusion, I thought I had wrote "successful and completed" request but I guess not haha! I intended to request only the successful and completed OPRA requests from January 1, 2025 to the present in which BWC and/or MVC footage was actually located and released.
2. Delivery of video files:
Please send any secure electronic delivery links to the same email address associated with this OPRA request.
For clarification, I am using OPRAMachine Pro, and this request is private. No third parties can view it, so sending secure links directly to the email on file will not expose the footage to the public.
3. Retention schedules:
Thank you for the note regarding retention periods. I understand that only video files still retained under the applicable schedule can be provided.
4. Timeline:
Acknowledged as well. Once clarification is applied, I appreciate that the standard seven-business-day window resumes and that extensions may be required depending on volume.
Please let me know if anything else is needed in order to continue processing the request.
Sincerely,
Joe P
-----Original Message-----
Dear Joe P,
This email acknowledges receipt of your OPRA request dated December 8th, 2025. Before we can begin processing the request, we need clarification on several points so that we can identify the correct records and determine what materials are still available.
1. Clarification of which prior OPRA requests you are seeking
Your request states that you want copies of OPRA requests from January 1, 2025 to the present that sought Body Worn Camera or Motor Vehicle Camera footage. To proceed, please confirm which category you intend:
• All OPRA requests that asked for BWC or MVC footage, even if the request was withdrawn, denied, or did not result in the release of footage
or
• Only OPRA requests in which BWC or MVC footage was actually located and released
We cannot determine which items to pull without knowing which category you want. OPRA requires access to identifiable existing records, and we cannot create new lists or research outcomes without clear direction.
2. Delivery method for video files
Please be aware that our agency uses a secure electronic delivery system that sends video files through individual time limited links. These links are generated for each request and cannot be reopened, forwarded, or shared with third party platforms. Because of this limitation, we cannot upload or transmit BWC or MVC files through the OPRA Machine website.
If you are requesting previously released video files that we still retain, we will need a valid email address where we can send the secure link directly to you.
As another option, you may arrange to pick up a physical copy in person or send by mail. Please note that any physical media such as a DVD, CD, or USB drive will require a fee in accordance with the applicable OPRA fee schedule.
3. Retention schedule considerations
Please also be aware that BWC and MVC files are subject to state retention schedules. Some videos may no longer exist if they have reached their required retention period and were purged. We can only provide video files that are still retained by the agency.
4. Timeline and possible additional time
Once we receive your clarification, we will resume processing your request and respond within the standard seven business day period. However, depending on the volume of records involved and the time required to retrieve and review archived materials, additional time may be necessary. If an extension is required, we will notify you in writing as required under OPRA.
Please provide the clarification requested above, along with the email address you would like us to use for secure delivery of any electronic files or the other options of receiving footage.
Sincerely,
Ridgewood Police Department
t: 201.670.5500
f: 551.305.6394
131 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
This message, including any prior messages and attachments, may contain advisory, consultative and/or deliberative material, confidential information or privileged communications of The Ridgewood Police Department. Access to this message by anyone other than the sender and the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or not taken in reliance on it, without the expressed written consent of the Village, is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, you should not save, scan, transmit, print, use or disseminate this message or any information contained in this message in any way and you should promptly delete or destroy this message and all copies of it. Please notify the sender by return e-mail if you have received this message in error.
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
This message, including any prior messages and attachments, may contain advisory, consultative and/or deliberative material, confidential information or privileged communications of The Ridgewood Police Department. Access to this message by anyone other than the sender and the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or not taken in reliance on it, without the expressed written consent of the Village, is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, you should not save, scan, transmit, print, use or disseminate this message or any information contained in this message in any way and you should promptly delete or destroy this message and all copies of it. Please notify the sender by return e-mail if you have received this message in error.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this UNIQUE email address for all replies to this request and no other:
[OPRA #84170 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://opramachine.com/help/officers
View this OPRA request & responses online:
https://opramachine.com/request/request_...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an OPRA custodian, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice: You are advised that copies of correspondence, including e-mail correspondence and attachments, between the public and the Village of Ridgewood are obtainable by any person filing a request under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) unless subject to a specific OPRA exception. There should be no expectation that the content of emails exchanged between the public and municipal officials and employees will remain private.
Axon - Ridgewood Police Dept. - NJ
Evidence.com - Case Download Link
Zita Stratis from Ridgewood Police Dept. - NJ
(https://ridgewoodpdnj.evidence.com) has sent you a link to download the
case 25-01476 on Evidence.com. You will download 7 zip or iso file(s)
containing the pieces of evidence in this case. This download may take a
while depending on your internet connection.
Please note that your access to this link will expire on January 1, 2026
13:54:10 (-05:00).
Afterwards, you will need to contact the sender to request access.
Download link:
[1][Click here to download]
Thank you,
The Axon Team
SECURITY NOTICE: Axon will not send you emails that request your
username, password, or any other sensitive information. If you receive
an email requesting information, it is most likely an attempt to gain
access to your account. Furthermore, please verify that any hyperlinks
in the message above begin with the proper URL e.g.
"https://agencyname.evidence.com". Please forward emails that appear
suspicious to [email address].
References
Visible links
1. https://ridgewoodpdnj.evidence.com/axon/...
Dear Ridgewood Police Department,
Thanks for your response. For some reason I didn't see it until now - much apologies. Can you resend the AXON link so I'm able to download and archive it. Thank you again sorry for the hassle.
Happy new year.
Yours faithfully,
Joe P
Good Morning,
The link has been resent. A separate email with the link will be sent.
Thank you,
Ridgewood Police Department
t: 201.670.5500
f: 551.305.6394
131 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
This message, including any prior messages and attachments, may contain advisory, consultative and/or deliberative material, confidential information or privileged communications of The Ridgewood Police Department. Access to this message by anyone other than the sender and the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or not taken in reliance on it, without the expressed written consent of the Village, is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, you should not save, scan, transmit, print, use or disseminate this message or any information contained in this message in any way and you should promptly delete or destroy this message and all copies of it. Please notify the sender by return e-mail if you have received this message in error.
-----Original Message-----
From: Joe P <[OPRA #84170 email]>
Sent: Saturday, January 3, 2026 12:56 AM
To: RPD - Records <[Ridgewood Police Department request email]>
Subject: Re: OPRA request - Request for Existing BWC &/ MVC Footage & Requests
Dear Ridgewood Police Department,
Thanks for your response. For some reason I didn't see it until now - much apologies. Can you resend the AXON link so I'm able to download and archive it. Thank you again sorry for the hassle.
Happy new year.
Yours faithfully,
Joe P
-----Original Message-----
Axon - Ridgewood Police Dept. - NJ
Evidence.com - Case Download Link
Zita Stratis from Ridgewood Police Dept. - NJ
(https://ridgewoodpdnj.evidence.com) has sent you a link to download the case 25-01476 on Evidence.com. You will download 7 zip or iso file(s) containing the pieces of evidence in this case. This download may take a while depending on your internet connection.
Please note that your access to this link will expire on January 1, 2026
13:54:10 (-05:00).
Afterwards, you will need to contact the sender to request access.
Download link:
[1][Click here to download]
Thank you,
The Axon Team
SECURITY NOTICE: Axon will not send you emails that request your username, password, or any other sensitive information. If you receive an email requesting information, it is most likely an attempt to gain access to your account. Furthermore, please verify that any hyperlinks in the message above begin with the proper URL e.g.
"https://agencyname.evidence.com". Please forward emails that appear suspicious to [email address].
References
Visible links
1. https://ridgewoodpdnj.evidence.com/axon/...
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this UNIQUE email address for all replies to this request and no other:
[OPRA #84170 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://opramachine.com/help/officers
View this OPRA request & responses online:
https://opramachine.com/request/request_...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an OPRA custodian, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice: You are advised that copies of correspondence, including e-mail correspondence and attachments, between the public and the Village of Ridgewood are obtainable by any person filing a request under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) unless subject to a specific OPRA exception. There should be no expectation that the content of emails exchanged between the public and municipal officials and employees will remain private.
Axon - Ridgewood Police Dept. - NJ
Evidence.com - Case Download Link
Zita Stratis from Ridgewood Police Dept. - NJ
(https://ridgewoodpdnj.evidence.com) has sent you a link to download the
case 25-01476 on Evidence.com. You will download 7 zip or iso file(s)
containing the pieces of evidence in this case. This download may take a
while depending on your internet connection.
Please note that your access to this link will expire on February 4,
2026 10:06:27 (-05:00).
Afterwards, you will need to contact the sender to request access.
Download link:
[1][Click here to download]
Thank you,
The Axon Team
SECURITY NOTICE: Axon will not send you emails that request your
username, password, or any other sensitive information. If you receive
an email requesting information, it is most likely an attempt to gain
access to your account. Furthermore, please verify that any hyperlinks
in the message above begin with the proper URL e.g.
"https://agencyname.evidence.com". Please forward emails that appear
suspicious to [email address].
References
Visible links
1. https://ridgewoodpdnj.evidence.com/axon/...