South Bend approves higher fees for police body camera footage

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Common Council voted 7-2 Monday night to pass Bill 43-25, which raises the fees for public requests despite widespread opposition from residents during public comment.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the department will charge $25 per hour for the time spent reviewing and redacting footage, with a maximum fee of $75 per video. Those rates were lowered from the bill’s original proposal of $50 per hour and a $150 cap.

The amended bill also requires a review to evaluate whether the fee changes are effective and fair one year after the price increase takes place.