Document Overview
This is the NYPD's Domain Awareness System (DAS) Impact and Use Policy, updated February 4, 2026, and published by the New York City Police Department. The document describes DAS, a networked system developed with Vexcel Corporation, and sets out its capabilities, rules of use, safeguards, retention practices, external sharing, and oversight. It was revised to comply with the amendment to the POST Act, Local Law 56 of 2025.
Capabilities of the Technology
- DAS was originally designed as a counterterrorism platform and now aggregates information NYPD personnel use for strategic and tactical decisions.
- Users can access real-time 911 information, call location history, crime complaint and arrest reports, summonses, warrant history, and associated vehicles, addresses, phone numbers and firearm licensure history.
- DAS can view CCTV live feeds for Detectives, Sergeants and higher ranks, and a limited number of police officers, but cannot download or retain CCTV video.
- DAS acts as a repository for LPR and ShotSpotter data but cannot itself read license plates or detect gunfire.
- According to the document, DAS does not use video analytics, facial recognition or biometric measurement technologies, although arrest photos and still images may be used as probe images for facial recognition analysis under separate policies.
Rules, Processes and Guidelines
The document states that DAS must be used consistently with the U.S. and New York State Constitutions and applicable statutes, and only for legitimate law enforcement purposes within authorized access. It states that court authorization is not necessary to use DAS, which centralizes lawfully obtained data. Misuse is said to bring administrative and potentially criminal penalties. The Intelligence Division alone may conduct investigations involving political activity under the Revised Handschu Guidelines.
Safeguards and Security Measures
Access is restricted to authorized NYPD personnel approved by commanding officers and the Information Technology Bureau, authenticated by username and password, and rescinded when assignments change. The document describes encryption of data in transit and at rest using SSL/TLS, Active Directory authentication, and dual-factor authentication for remote access. It also describes an enterprise architecture review process and rules for confidentiality and identity verification before disclosure.
Data Retention, Public Access and External Entities
Records are retained under a schedule approved by the New York City Law Department and the Department of Records and Information Services, pursuant to New York City Charter § 1133. Members of the public may request DAS-related information under the New York State Freedom of Information Law. External stakeholders who provide CCTV access receive limited representative access, and the document states that information is not shared in furtherance of immigration enforcement. Vendors are limited to a "need to know basis" and must follow confidentiality obligations, and disclosures violating the Identifying Information Law must be reported to the NYC Chief Privacy Officer within 24 hours.
Training, Audit and Health Reporting
Recruits at the NYPD Academy receive DAS training, and personnel receive command-level training. Immutable audit logs record searches and access, and are periodically audited by Commanding Officers. The document states there are no known tests or reports regarding the health and safety impacts of DAS, and that no physical safety hazards have been identified.
Stated Position on Disparate Impact and Purpose
The NYPD states that it does not believe DAS is used in a manner that disparately impacts protected groups under the New York City Human Rights Law, citing its safeguards and audit protocols. The document says the NYPD prohibits racial and bias-based profiling. Its stated purpose is to help ensure public safety and security and to detect, deter and prevent terrorist activities, and it addresses the public, oversight bodies and the city's communities about how DAS is governed.