HomeMy WebLinkAbout7A Body Worn Camera Policy Report
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: AUGUST 21, 2017
AGENDA #: 7A
PREPARED BY: MARK ELLIOTT, CHIEF OF POLICE
PRESENTED BY: MARK ELLIOTT, CHIEF OF POLICE
AGENDA ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PRIOR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT
BODY WORN CAMERA PROGRAM
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to hold a public hearing on the Prior
Lake Police Department’s proposed Body Worn Camera program.
History
The police department has been researching body worn cameras for the
last two years and have been working towards implementation for the past
year.
The Minnesota Legislature enacted legislation last year requiring police
departments to hold a public hearing before enacting a body worn camera
program. State Statute 626.8473 s.2 states, A local law enforcement
agency must provide an opportunity for public comment before it
purchases or implements a portable recording system. At a minimum, the
agency must accept public comments submitted electronically or by mail,
and the governing body with jurisdiction over the budget of the law
enforcement agency must provide an opportunity for public comment at a
regularly scheduled meeting.
Current Circumstances
Law Enforcement agencies throughout the country have implemented body
worn camera programs over the past several years. Recently, especially in
the past two years, the number of departments using this technology has
increased exponentially every month.
The public, as well as the officers, are asking for this technology for several
reasons including increased accountability, transparency, safety, and
evidence gathering. Technological advancements have made it possible to
have reliable body worn cameras that stand up to the rigors of law
enforcement duties and operate predictably when used correctly.
The policy drafted by the Prior Lake PD incorporates all elements required
by Minnesota law, as well as the best practices as recommended by the
League of Minnesota Cities, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and
Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association. In addition, the policy
2
goes beyond these recommendations and adds mandated recording of all
in-progress crimes from the initial response of the officers.
The Prior Lake Police Department has actually gone beyond the minimum
requirements of the law since this policy was reviewed by citizens at a
public information meeting presented by the police department last month.
Those in attendance were supportive of the adoption of the policy and the
technology.
The policy was also presented to the city Community Safety Advisory
Committee. The committee was in support of the implementation of the
program and policy and recommends the city move forward with the
program.
Conclusion
The policy adopted by the Prior Lake Police Department is comprehensive
and follows a best practices approach to the use of this technology. The
public hearing provides an opportunity for disclosure and review of the
proposed policy to the public, and an opportunity for public comment.
ISSUES: This public hearing is required by law in order to implement a Body Worn
Camera Program. A copy of the policy is attached to this agenda report for
city council information.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
No financial impact at this time. The Police Chief will bring the purchase of
cameras back before the council at a later time this year.
ALTERNATIVES: 1. Hold a public hearing as required by law and unless new
substantive information is offered approve the attached resolution
approving the policy as recommended by staff.
2. Conduct the public hearing but defer action on approval of the
policy so the staff can provide additional information as may be
desired by the city council.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
Alternative #1
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
RESOLUTION 17-___
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A BODY WORN CAMERA POLICY
FOR THE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Motion By: Second By:
WHEREAS, Law enforcement agencies through out the country are implementing body worn
cameras; and
WHEREAS, The public and public safety officers are supportive of the use of body worn
camera technology for increased accountability, transparency, safety and
evidence gathering; and
WHEREAS, The Prior Lake Police Department has prepared a Body Worn Camera Policy
which includes all of the elements required by Minnesota State Statute as well as
recommendations from the Minnesota League of Cities, Minnesota Chiefs of
Police and Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association; and
WHEREAS,
The body worn camera policy proposed by the Prior Lake Police Department goes
beyond the above recommendations and includes a mandate requiring recording
of all in-progress crimes; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes requires that the chief policy making body of the city conduct a
public hearing to garner public input prior to the adoption of a body worn camera
policy, and;
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
The Prior Lake Policy Department conducted a public input meeting in July and
received public input,and;
On August 21, 2017 the City Council of the City of Prior Lake did conduct a public
hearing in full accordance with Minnesota Statute.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA as follows:
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein.
2. The Prior Lake Police Department Body Worn Camera Policy dated August 21, 2017 is hereby
approved.
3. The Police Chief is authorized to administer and amend the policy as necessary.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF AUGUST 2017.
VOTE Briggs McGuire Thompson Braid Burkart
Aye ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Nay ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Abstain ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Absent ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
2
______________________________
Frank Boyles, City Manager
PRIOR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
BODY WORN CAMERA/MOBILE VIDEO
RECORDING EQUIPMENT
DATE ISSUED: AUGUST 21, 2017 RETENTION DATE: UNTIL RESCINDED
SECTION 3 CHAPTER 3
PURPOSE
THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF USING BODY-WORN-CAMERAS (BWCS) IS TO CAPTURE EVIDENCE
ARISING FROM POLICE-CITIZEN ENCOUNTERS. THIS POLICY SETS FORTH GUIDELINES
GOVERNING THE USE OF BWCS AND ADMINISTERING THE DATA THAT RESULTS.
COMPLIANCE WITH THESE GUIDELINES IS MANDATORY, BUT IT IS RECOGNIZED THAT
OFFICERS MUST ALSO ATTEND TO OTHER PRIMARY DUTIES AND THE SAFETY OF ALL
CONCERNED, SOMETIMES IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE TENSE, UNCERTAIN, AND RAPIDLY
EVOLVING.
POLICY
IT IS THE POLICY OF THIS DEPARTMENT TO AUTHORIZE AND REQUIRE THE USE OF
DEPARTMENT-ISSUED BWCS AS SET FORTH BELOW, AND TO ADMINISTER BWC DATA AS
PROVIDED BY LAW.
SCOPE
THIS POLICY GOVERNS THE USE OF BWCS IN THE COURSE OF OFFICIAL DUTIES. THE CHIEF
OR CHIEF’S DESIGNEE MAY SUPERSEDE THIS POLICY BY PROVIDING SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
FOR BWC USE TO INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS, OR PROVIDING SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING
TO PARTICULAR EVENTS OR CLASSES OF EVENTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO POLITICAL
RALLIES AND DEMONSTRATIONS. THE CHIEF OR DESIGNEE MAY ALSO PROVIDE SPECIFIC
INSTRUCTIONS OR STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR BWC USE TO OFFICERS
ASSIGNED TO SPECIALIZED DETAILS, SUCH AS CARRYING OUT DUTIES IN COURTS OR
GUARDING PRISONERS OR PATIENTS IN HOSPITALS AND MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES.
DEFINITIONS
THE FOLLOWING PHRASES HAVE SPECIAL MEANINGS AS USED IN THIS POLICY:
A. BODY-WORN CAMERA (BWC) REFERS TO A VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDING DEVICE
WORN BY AN OFFICER ON THEIR PERSON AND INCLUDES ANY ASSOCIATED SQUAD-
CAR MOUNTED VIDEO/AUDIO DEVICE THAT IS INTEGRATED INTO THE DEPARTMENT
SYSTEM.
B. MGDPA OR DATA PRACTICES ACT REFERS TO THE MINNESOTA GOVERNMENT
DATA PRACTICES ACT, MINN. STAT. § 13.01, ET SEQ.
C. RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE REFERS TO THE GENERAL RECORDS RETENTION
SCHEDULE FOR MINNESOTA CITIES.
D. LAW ENFORCEMENT-RELATED INFORMATION MEANS INFORMATION CAPTURED OR
AVAILABLE FOR CAPTURE BY USE OF A BWC THAT HAS EVIDENTIARY VALUE
BECAUSE IT DOCUMENTS EVENTS WITH RESPECT TO A STOP, ARREST, SEARCH,
CITATION, OR CHARGING DECISION.
E. EVIDENTIARY VALUE MEANS THAT THE INFORMATION MAY BE USEFUL AS PROOF IN
A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, RELATED CIVIL OR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDING,
FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF AN ACTUAL OR SUSPECTED CRIMINAL ACT, OR IN
CONSIDERING AN ALLEGATION AGAINST A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR OFFICER.
F. GENERAL CITIZEN CONTACT MEANS AN INFORMAL ENCOUNTER WITH A CITIZEN
THAT IS NOT AND DOES NOT BECOME LAW ENFORCEMENT-RELATED OR
ADVERSARIAL, AND A RECORDING OF THE EVENT WOULD NOT YIELD INFORMATION
RELEVANT TO AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION. EXAMPLES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT
LIMITED TO, ASSISTING A MOTORIST WITH DIRECTIONS, SUMMONING A TOW TRUCK,
OR RECEIVING GENERALIZED CONCERNS FROM A CITIZEN ABOUT CRIME TRENDS IN
HIS OR HER NEIGHBORHOOD.
G. ADVERSARIAL MEANS A LAW ENFORCEMENT ENCOUNTER WITH A PERSON THAT
BECOMES CONFRONTATIONAL, DURING WHICH AT LEAST ONE PERSON EXPRESSES
ANGER, RESENTMENT, OR HOSTILITY TOWARD THE OTHER, OR AT LEAST ONE PERSON
DIRECTS TOWARD THE OTHER VERBAL CONDUCT CONSISTING OF ARGUING,
THREATENING, CHALLENGING, SWEARING, YELLING, OR SHOUTING. ENCOUNTERS IN
WHICH A CITIZEN DEMANDS TO BE RECORDED OR INITIATES RECORDING ON HIS OR
HER OWN ARE DEEMED ADVERSARIAL.
H. UNINTENTIONALLY RECORDED FOOTAGE IS A VIDEO RECORDING THAT RESULTS
FROM AN OFFICER’S INADVERTENCE OR NEGLECT IN OPERATING THE OFFICER’S
BWC, PROVIDED THAT NO PORTION OF THE RESULTING RECORDING HAS
EVIDENTIARY VALUE. EXAMPLES OF UNINTENTIONALLY RECORDED FOOTAGE
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, RECORDINGS MADE IN STATION HOUSE LOCKER
ROOMS, RESTROOMS, AND RECORDINGS MADE WHILE OFFICERS WERE ENGAGED IN
CONVERSATIONS OF A NON-BUSINESS, PERSONAL NATURE WITH THE EXPECTATION
THAT THE CONVERSATION WAS NOT BEING RECORDED.
I. OFFICIAL DUTIES, FOR PURPOSES OF THIS POLICY, MEANS THAT THE OFFICER IS ON
DUTY AND PERFORMING AUTHORIZED LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES ON BEHALF OF
THIS AGENCY.
USE AND DOCUMENTATION
A. OFFICERS MAY USE ONLY DEPARTMENT-ISSUED BWCS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF
OFFICIAL DUTIES FOR THIS AGENCY OR WHEN OTHERWISE PERFORMING AUTHORIZED
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AS AN EMPLOYEE OF THIS DEPARTMENT.
B. OFFICERS WHO HAVE BEEN ISSUED BWCS SHALL OPERATE AND USE THEM
CONSISTENT WITH THIS POLICY. OFFICERS SHALL CONDUCT A FUNCTION TEST OF
THEIR ISSUED BWCS AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SHIFT TO MAKE SURE THE DEVICES
ARE OPERATING PROPERLY. OFFICERS NOTING A MALFUNCTION DURING TESTING OR
AT ANY OTHER TIME SHALL PROMPTLY REPORT THE MALFUNCTION TO THE OFFICER’S
SUPERVISOR AND SHALL DOCUMENT THE REPORT IN WRITING. SUPERVISORS SHALL
TAKE PROMPT ACTION TO ADDRESS MALFUNCTIONS AND DOCUMENT THE STEPS
TAKEN IN WRITING.
C. OFFICERS SHOULD WEAR THEIR ISSUED BWCS AT THE LOCATION ON THEIR BODY
AND IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED IN TRAINING.
D. OFFICERS MUST DOCUMENT BWC USE AND NON-USE AS FOLLOWS:
1. WHENEVER AN OFFICER MAKES A RECORDING, THE EXISTENCE OF THE
RECORDING SHALL BE DOCUMENTED IN AN INCIDENT REPORT IN LETG OR THE
RECORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
2. WHENEVER AN OFFICER FAILS TO RECORD AN ACTIVITY THAT IS REQUIRED TO BE
RECORDED UNDER THIS POLICY OR CAPTURES ONLY A PART OF THE ACTIVITY,
THE OFFICER MUST DOCUMENT THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND REASONS FOR NOT
RECORDING IN AN INCIDENT REPORT OR CAD RECORD. SUPERVISORS SHALL
REVIEW THESE REPORTS AND INITIATE ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION DEEMED
NECESSARY.
E. THE DEPARTMENT WILL MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS
RELATING TO BWC USE, WHICH ARE CLASSIFIED AS PUBLIC DATA:
1. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BWCS OWNED OR MAINTAINED BY THE AGENCY;
2. A DAILY RECORD OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BWCS ACTUALLY DEPLOYED AND
USED BY OFFICERS AND, IF APPLICABLE, THE PRECINCTS IN WHICH THEY WERE
USED;
3. THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF RECORDED BWC DATA COLLECTED AND MAINTAINED;
AND,
4. THIS POLICY, TOGETHER WITH THE RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR RECORDING
A. OFFICERS SHALL ACTIVATE THEIR BWCS WHEN ANTICIPATING THAT THEY WILL BE
INVOLVED IN, BECOME INVOLVED IN, OR WITNESS OTHER OFFICERS OF THIS AGENCY
INVOLVED IN A PURSUIT, TERRY STOP OF A MOTORIST OR PEDESTRIAN, SEARCH,
SEIZURE, ARREST, USE OF FORCE, ADVERSARIAL CONTACT, TRAFFIC STOPS, AND
DURING OTHER ACTIVITIES LIKELY TO YIELD INFORMATION HAVING EVIDENTIARY
VALUE. HOWEVER, OFFICERS NEED NOT ACTIVATE THEIR CAMERAS WHEN IT WOULD
BE UNSAFE, IMPOSSIBLE, OR IMPRACTICAL TO DO SO, BUT SUCH INSTANCES OF NOT
RECORDING WHEN OTHERWISE REQUIRED MUST BE DOCUMENTED AS SPECIFIED IN
THE USE AND DOCUMENTATION GUIDELINES, PART (D)(2) (ABOVE). IF AN OFFICER
DOES NOT HAVE THEIR BWC ACTIVATED WHEN THEY ARE INVOLVED IN ONE OF
THESE ACTIVITIES THEY SHALL ACTIVATE IT AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE.
B. OFFICERS SHALL ACTIVATE THEIR BWCS AS SOON AS THEY BEGIN THEIR RESPONSE
TO ANY IN-PROGRESS CRIMES.
C. OFFICERS HAVE DISCRETION TO RECORD OR NOT RECORD GENERAL CITIZEN
CONTACTS (GENERAL CONTACT OF A NON-ENFORCEMENT NATURE).
D. OFFICERS HAVE NO AFFIRMATIVE DUTY TO INFORM PEOPLE THAT A BWC IS BEING
OPERATED OR THAT THE INDIVIDUALS ARE BEING RECORDED. IF A CITIZEN INQUIRES
AS TO WHETHER THE OFFICER IS CURRENTLY RECORDING THEIR INTERACTION,
OFFICERS SHOULD GENERALLY DISCLOSE THEY ARE RECORDING UNLESS DOING SO
WOULD JEOPARDIZE SOMEONE’S SAFETY OR COMPROMISE POLICE OPERATIONS.
E. ONCE ACTIVATED, THE BWC SHOULD CONTINUE RECORDING UNTIL THE
CONCLUSION OF THE INCIDENT OR ENCOUNTER, OR UNTIL IT BECOMES APPARENT
THAT ADDITIONAL RECORDING IS UNLIKELY TO CAPTURE INFORMATION HAVING
EVIDENTIARY VALUE. THE OFFICER HAVING CHARGE OF A SCENE SHALL LIKEWISE
DIRECT THE DISCONTINUANCE OF RECORDING WHEN FURTHER RECORDING IS
UNLIKELY TO CAPTURE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HAVING EVIDENTIARY VALUE.
RECORDING MAY BE TEMPORARILY CEASED OR THE AUDIO MUTED TO EXCHANGE
INFORMATION WITH OTHER OFFICERS, LEGAL COUNSEL, OR THE LENS OBSTRUCTED
IN ORDER TO AVOID CAPTURING IMAGES OF UNDERCOVER OFFICERS, INFORMANTS,
OR CITIZENS WHERE BASED ON TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE, IN THE JUDGEMENT OF
THE OFFICER A RECORDING WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE OR CONSISTENT WITH THIS
POLICY. THE REASON TO CEASE AND RESUME RECORDING (OR TO MUTE AUDIO OR
OBSTRUCT THE LENS) WILL BE NOTED BY THE OFFICER EITHER VERBALLY ON THE
PORTABLE AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDER OR IN A WRITTEN REPORT.
RECORDING MAY BE STOPPED DURING SIGNIFICANT PERIODS OF INACTIVITY SUCH AS
REPORT WRITING OR OTHER BREAKS FROM DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN THE INCIDENT.
IF THE RECORDING IS DISCONTINUED WHILE AN INVESTIGATION, RESPONSE, OR
INCIDENT IS ONGOING, OFFICERS SHALL STATE THE REASONS FOR CEASING THE
RECORDING ON CAMERA BEFORE DEACTIVATING THEIR BWC. IF CIRCUMSTANCES
CHANGE, OFFICERS SHALL REACTIVATE THEIR CAMERAS AS REQUIRED BY THIS
POLICY TO CAPTURE INFORMATION HAVING EVIDENTIARY VALUE.
F. OFFICERS SHALL NOT INTENTIONALLY BLOCK THE BWC’S AUDIO OR VISUAL
RECORDING FUNCTIONALITY TO DEFEAT THE PURPOSES OF THIS POLICY.
G. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION IN THIS POLICY, OFFICERS SHALL NOT
USE THEIR BWCS TO RECORD OTHER AGENCY PERSONNEL DURING NON-
ENFORCEMENT RELATED ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS DURING PRE- AND POST-SHIFT TIME IN
LOCKER ROOMS, DURING MEAL BREAKS, OR DURING OTHER PRIVATE
CONVERSATIONS, UNLESS RECORDING IS AUTHORIZED AS PART OF AN
ADMINISTRATIVE OR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION.
SPECIAL GUIDELINES FOR RECORDING
OFFICERS MAY, IN THE EXERCISE OF SOUND DISCRETION, DETERMINE:
A. TO USE THEIR BWCS TO RECORD ANY POLICE-CITIZEN ENCOUNTER IF THERE IS
REASON TO BELIEVE THE RECORDING WOULD POTENTIALLY YIELD INFORMATION
HAVING EVIDENTIARY VALUE, UNLESS SUCH RECORDING IS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY
PROHIBITED.
B. TO USE THEIR BWCS TO TAKE RECORDED STATEMENTS FROM PERSONS BELIEVED TO
BE VICTIMS OF AND WITNESSES TO CRIMES, AND PERSONS SUSPECTED OF
COMMITTING CRIMES, CONSIDERING THE NEEDS OF THE INVESTIGATION AND THE
CIRCUMSTANCES PERTAINING TO THE VICTIM, WITNESS, OR SUSPECT. IN GENERAL,
STATEMENTS SHOULD BE TAKEN USING THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED AUDIO RECORDING
DEVICE IN ORDER TO STANDARDIZE FORMAT AND TRANSCRIPTION EFFICIENCY.
IN ADDITION,
C. OFFICERS NEED NOT RECORD PERSONS BEING PROVIDED MEDICAL CARE UNLESS
THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THE RECORDING WOULD DOCUMENT INFORMATION
HAVING EVIDENTIARY VALUE. WHEN RESPONDING TO AN APPARENT MENTAL
HEALTH CRISIS OR EVENT, BWCS SHALL BE ACTIVATED AS NECESSARY TO
DOCUMENT ANY USE OF FORCE AND THE BASIS FOR IT, AND ANY OTHER
INFORMATION HAVING EVIDENTIARY VALUE, BUT NEED NOT BE ACTIVATED WHEN
DOING SO WOULD SERVE ONLY TO RECORD SYMPTOMS OR BEHAVIORS BELIEVED TO
BE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE MENTAL HEALTH OR MEDICAL ISSUE.
D. OFFICERS SHALL USE THEIR BWCS AND SQUAD-BASED AUDIO/VIDEO SYSTEMS TO
RECORD THEIR TRANSPORTATION AND THE PHYSICAL TRANSFER OF PERSONS IN
THEIR CUSTODY TO HOSPITALS, DETOX AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES,
JUVENILE DETENTION CENTERS, AND JAILS, BUT OTHERWISE SHOULD NOT RECORD IN
THESE FACILITIES UNLESS THE OFFICER ANTICIPATES WITNESSING A CRIMINAL EVENT
OR BEING INVOLVED IN OR WITNESSING AN ADVERSARIAL ENCOUNTER OR USE-OF-
FORCE INCIDENT.
DOWNLOADING AND LABELING DATA
A. EACH OFFICER USING A BWC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSFERRING OR ASSURING THE
PROPER TRANSFER OF THE DATA FROM HIS OR HER CAMERA TO THE DESIGNATED
STORAGE LOCATION BY THE END OF THAT OFFICER’S SHIFT. HOWEVER, IF THE
OFFICER IS INVOLVED IN A SHOOTING, IN-CUSTODY DEATH, OR OTHER LAW
ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY RESULTING IN DEATH OR GREAT BODILY HARM, A
SUPERVISOR OR INVESTIGATOR SHALL TAKE CUSTODY OF THE OFFICER’S BWC AND
ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR TRANSFERRING THE DATA FROM IT.
B. OFFICERS SHALL LABEL THE BWC DATA FILES AT THE TIME OF VIDEO CAPTURE OR
TRANSFER TO STORAGE, AND SHOULD CONSULT WITH A SUPERVISOR IF IN DOUBT AS
TO THE APPROPRIATE LABELING. OFFICERS SHOULD ASSIGN THE APPROPRIATE LABEL
IN ACCORDING WITH THE DATA RETENTION TABLE IN THIS POLICY.
C. IN ADDITION, OFFICERS SHALL FLAG EACH FILE AS APPROPRIATE TO INDICATE THAT
IT CONTAINS INFORMATION ABOUT DATA SUBJECTS WHO MAY HAVE RIGHTS UNDER
THE MGDPA LIMITING DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THEM. THESE
INDIVIDUALS INCLUDE:
1. VICTIMS AND ALLEGED VICTIMS OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT AND SEX
TRAFFICKING.
2. VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT.
3. VULNERABLE ADULTS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF MALTREATMENT.
4. UNDERCOVER OFFICERS.
5. INFORMANTS.
6. WHEN THE VIDEO IS CLEARLY OFFENSIVE TO COMMON SENSITIVITIES.
7. VICTIMS OF AND WITNESSES TO CRIMES, IF THE VICTIM OR WITNESS HAS
REQUESTED NOT TO BE IDENTIFIED PUBLICLY.
8. INDIVIDUALS WHO CALLED 911, AND SERVICES SUBSCRIBERS WHOSE LINES
WERE USED TO PLACE A CALL TO THE 911 SYSTEM.
9. MANDATED REPORTERS.
10. JUVENILE WITNESSES, IF THE NATURE OF THE EVENT OR ACTIVITY JUSTIFIES
PROTECTING THE IDENTITY OF THE WITNESS.
11. JUVENILES WHO ARE OR MAY BE DELINQUENT OR ENGAGED IN CRIMINAL ACTS.
12. INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE COMPLAINTS ABOUT VIOLATIONS WITH RESPECT TO
THE USE OF REAL PROPERTY.
13. OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES WHO ARE THE SUBJECT OF A COMPLAINT RELATED TO
THE EVENTS CAPTURED ON VIDEO.
14. OTHER INDIVIDUALS WHOSE IDENTITIES THE OFFICER BELIEVES MAY BE
LEGALLY PROTECTED FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.
D. LABELING AND FLAGGING DESIGNATIONS MAY BE CORRECTED OR AMENDED BASED
ON ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
ADMINISTERING ACCESS TO BWC DATA:
A. DATA SUBJECTS. UNDER MINNESOTA LAW, THE FOLLOWING ARE CONSIDERED
DATA SUBJECTS FOR PURPOSES OF ADMINISTERING ACCESS TO BWC DATA:
1. ANY PERSON OR ENTITY WHOSE IMAGE OR VOICE IS DOCUMENTED IN THE DATA.
2. THE OFFICER WHO COLLECTED THE DATA.
3. ANY OTHER OFFICER WHOSE VOICE OR IMAGE IS DOCUMENTED IN THE DATA,
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THAT OFFICER IS OR CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE
RECORDING.
B. BWC DATA IS PRESUMPTIVELY PRIVATE. BWC RECORDINGS ARE CLASSIFIED AS
PRIVATE DATA ABOUT THE DATA SUBJECTS UNLESS THERE IS A SPECIFIC LAW THAT
PROVIDES DIFFERENTLY. AS A RESULT:
1. BWC DATA PERTAINING TO PEOPLE IS PRESUMED PRIVATE, AS IS BWC DATA
PERTAINING TO BUSINESSES OR OTHER ENTITIES.
2. SOME BWC DATA IS CLASSIFIED AS CONFIDENTIAL (SEE C. BELOW).
3. SOME BWC DATA IS CLASSIFIED AS PUBLIC (SEE D. BELOW).
C. CONFIDENTIAL DATA. BWC DATA THAT IS COLLECTED OR CREATED AS PART OF AN
ACTIVE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION IS CONFIDENTIAL. THIS CLASSIFICATION TAKES
PRECEDENCE OVER THE “PRIVATE” CLASSIFICATION LISTED ABOVE AND THE
“PUBLIC” CLASSIFICATIONS LISTED BELOW.
D. PUBLIC DATA. THE FOLLOWING BWC DATA IS PUBLIC:
1. DATA DOCUMENTING THE DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM BY A PEACE OFFICER IN THE
COURSE OF DUTY, OTHER THAN FOR TRAINING OR THE KILLING OF AN ANIMAL
THAT IS SICK, INJURED, OR DANGEROUS.
2. DATA THAT DOCUMENTS THE USE OF FORCE BY A PEACE OFFICER THAT RESULTS
IN SUBSTANTIAL BODILY HARM.
3. DATA THAT A DATA SUBJECT REQUESTS TO BE MADE ACCESSIBLE TO THE
PUBLIC, SUBJECT TO REDACTION. DATA ON ANY DATA SUBJECT (OTHER THAN A
PEACE OFFICER) WHO HAS NOT CONSENTED TO THE PUBLIC RELEASE MUST BE
REDACTED IF PRACTICABLE. IN ADDITION, ANY DATA ON UNDERCOVER OFFICERS
MUST BE REDACTED.
4. DATA THAT DOCUMENTS THE FINAL DISPOSITION OF A DISCIPLINARY ACTION
AGAINST A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE.
HOWEVER, IF ANOTHER PROVISION OF THE DATA PRACTICES ACT CLASSIFIES
DATA AS PRIVATE OR OTHERWISE NOT PUBLIC, THE DATA RETAINS THAT OTHER
CLASSIFICATION. FOR INSTANCE, DATA THAT REVEALS PROTECTED IDENTITIES
UNDER MINN. STAT. § 13.82, SUBD. 17 (E.G., CERTAIN VICTIMS, WITNESSES, AND
OTHERS) SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED EVEN IF IT WOULD OTHERWISE FIT INTO ONE
OF THE PUBLIC CATEGORIES LISTED ABOVE.
E. ACCESS TO BWC DATA BY NON-EMPLOYEES. OFFICERS SHALL REFER MEMBERS
OF THE MEDIA OR PUBLIC SEEKING ACCESS TO BWC DATA TO THE DATA PRACTICES
DESIGNEE, WHO SHALL PROCESS THE REQUEST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MGDPA
AND OTHER GOVERNING LAWS. IN PARTICULAR:
1. AN INDIVIDUAL SHALL BE ALLOWED TO REVIEW RECORDED BWC DATA ABOUT
HIM- OR HERSELF AND OTHER DATA SUBJECTS IN THE RECORDING, BUT ACCESS
SHALL NOT BE GRANTED:
a. IF THE DATA WAS COLLECTED OR CREATED AS PART OF AN ACTIVE
INVESTIGATION.
b. TO PORTIONS OF THE DATA THAT THE AGENCY WOULD OTHERWISE BE
PROHIBITED BY LAW FROM DISCLOSING TO THE PERSON SEEKING ACCESS,
SUCH AS PORTIONS THAT WOULD REVEAL IDENTITIES PROTECTED BY
MINN. STAT. § 13.82, SUBD. 17.
2. UNLESS THE DATA IS PART OF AN ACTIVE INVESTIGATION, AN INDIVIDUAL DATA
SUBJECT SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH A COPY OF THE RECORDING UPON REQUEST,
BUT SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES ON REDACTION:
a. DATA ON OTHER INDIVIDUALS IN THE RECORDING WHO DO NOT CONSENT
TO THE RELEASE MUST BE REDACTED.
b. DATA THAT WOULD IDENTIFY UNDERCOVER OFFICERS MUST BE
REDACTED.
c. DATA ON OTHER OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT UNDERCOVER, AND WHO ARE
ON DUTY AND ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF OFFICIAL DUTIES, MAY
NOT BE REDACTED.
F. ACCESS BY PEACE OFFICERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES. NO
EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE ACCESS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S BWC DATA EXCEPT FOR
LEGITIMATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OR DATA ADMINISTRATION PURPOSES:
1. OFFICERS MAY ACCESS AND VIEW STORED BWC VIDEO ONLY WHEN THERE IS A
BUSINESS NEED FOR DOING SO, INCLUDING THE NEED TO DEFEND AGAINST AN
ALLEGATION OF MISCONDUCT OR SUBSTANDARD PERFORMANCE. OFFICERS MAY
REVIEW VIDEO FOOTAGE OF AN INCIDENT IN WHICH THEY WERE INVOLVED PRIOR
TO PREPARING A REPORT, GIVING A STATEMENT, OR PROVIDING TESTIMONY
ABOUT THE INCIDENT.
2. AGENCY PERSONNEL SHALL DOCUMENT THEIR REASONS FOR ACCESSING STORED
BWC AT THE TIME OF EACH ACCESS. AGENCY PERSONNEL ARE PROHIBITED
FROM ACCESSING BWC DATA FOR NON-BUSINESS REASONS AND FROM SHARING
THE DATA FOR NON-LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATED PURPOSES, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO UPLOADING BWC DATA RECORDED OR MAINTAINED BY THIS
AGENCY TO PUBLIC AND SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITES.
3. EMPLOYEES SEEKING ACCESS TO BWC DATA FOR NON-BUSINESS REASONS MAY
MAKE A REQUEST FOR IT IN THE SAME MANNER AS ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC.
G. OTHER AUTHORIZED DISCLOSURES OF DATA. OFFICERS MAY DISPLAY PORTIONS
OF BWC FOOTAGE TO WITNESSES AS NECESSARY FOR PURPOSES OF INVESTIGATION
AS ALLOWED BY MINN. STAT. § 13.82, SUBD. 15, AS MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME
TO TIME. OFFICERS SHOULD GENERALLY LIMIT THESE DISPLAYS IN ORDER TO
PROTECT AGAINST THE INCIDENTAL DISCLOSURE OF INDIVIDUALS WHOSE IDENTITIES
ARE NOT PUBLIC. PROTECTING AGAINST INCIDENTAL DISCLOSURE COULD INVOLVE,
FOR INSTANCE, SHOWING ONLY A PORTION OF THE VIDEO, SHOWING ONLY SCREEN
SHOTS, MUTING THE AUDIO, OR PLAYING THE AUDIO BUT NOT DISPLAYING VIDEO. IN
ADDITION,
1. BWC DATA MAY BE SHARED WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ONLY
FOR LEGITIMATE LAW ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES THAT ARE DOCUMENTED IN
WRITING AT THE TIME OF THE DISCLOSURE.
2. BWC DATA SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO PROSECUTORS, COURTS, AND OTHER
CRIMINAL JUSTICE ENTITIES AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
DATA SECURITY SAFEGUARDS
A. OFFICERS SHOULD ADHERE TO THE CITY TECHNOLOGY POLICY WITH RESPECT TO
GENERAL SECURITY OF PHYSICAL EQUIPMENT, LOG-INS/PASSWORDS, AND DATA
FILES.
B. ACCESS TO BWC DATA FROM CITY OR PERSONALLY OWNED AND APPROVED
DEVICES SHALL BE MANAGED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ESTABLISHED CITY POLICY.
C. OFFICERS SHALL NOT INTENTIONALLY EDIT, ALTER, OR ERASE ANY BWC
RECORDING UNLESS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED BY THE CHIEF OR THE
CHIEF’S DESIGNEE.
D. AS REQUIRED BY MINN. STAT. § 13.825, SUBD. 9, AS MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME
TO TIME, THIS AGENCY SHALL OBTAIN AN INDEPENDENT BIENNIAL AUDIT OF ITS
BWC PROGRAM.
AGENCY USE OF DATA
A. AT LEAST QUARTERLY, SUPERVISORS WILL RANDOMLY REVIEW BWC USAGE BY
EACH OFFICER TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY AND TO IDENTIFY ANY
PERFORMANCE AREAS IN WHICH ADDITIONAL TRAINING OR GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED.
B. IN ADDITION, SUPERVISORS AND OTHER ASSIGNED PERSONNEL MAY ACCESS BWC
DATA FOR THE PURPOSES OF REVIEWING OR INVESTIGATING A SPECIFIC INCIDENT
THAT HAS GIVEN RISE TO A COMPLAINT OR CONCERN ABOUT OFFICER MISCONDUCT
OR PERFORMANCE.
C. NOTHING IN THIS POLICY LIMITS OR PROHIBITS THE USE OF BWC DATA AS EVIDENCE
OF MISCONDUCT OR AS A BASIS FOR DISCIPLINE.
D. OFFICERS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR SUPERVISORS TO DISCUSS RETAINING AND USING
BWC FOOTAGE FOR TRAINING PURPOSES. OFFICER OBJECTIONS TO PRESERVING OR
USING CERTAIN FOOTAGE FOR TRAINING WILL BE CONSIDERED ON A CASE-BY-CASE
BASIS. FIELD TRAINING OFFICERS MAY UTILIZE BWC DATA WITH TRAINEES FOR THE
PURPOSE OF PROVIDING COACHING AND FEEDBACK ON THE TRAINEES’
PERFORMANCE.
DATA RETENTION
A. ALL BWC DATA SHALL BE RETAINED FOR A MINIMUM PERIOD OF 90 DAYS. THERE
ARE NO EXCEPTIONS FOR ERRONEOUSLY RECORDED OR NON-EVIDENTIARY DATA.
B. VIDEOS SHOULD BE LABELLED ACCORDING TO THE CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE TABLE
CONTAINED IN THIS POLICY.
CLASSIFICATION DEFINITION RETENTION
AOA FOOTAGE CAPTURED WHILE ASSISTING
OTHER AGENCY THAT MAY CONTAIN
EVIDENCE
90 DAYS
ARREST CUSTODIAL ARREST 3 YEARS
DWI ARREST FOR DWI RELATED OFFENSE 7 YEARS
EMER. VEH. RESPONSE RESPONSE TO CFS THAT DOES NOT
RESULT IN ANY OTHER CLASSIFICATION
90 DAYS
FLEE FOOTAGE OF VEHICLE REFUSING TO
STOP
7 YEARS
GENERAL CONTACT
RECORDED CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC:
GENERALLY NO EVIDENTIARY VALUE,
NO COMMENTS REQUIRED
90 DAYS
INFORMATION COMMUNITY CONTACT OF INTEREST:
SUPERVISOR NOTIFICATION &
COMMENTS REQUIRED
90 DAYS
INTERVIEW INTERVIEW CAPTURED ON DVR THAT
DOES NOT RESULT IN ANY
CLASSIFICATION
90 DAYS
INVESTIGATIVE COMMUNITY CONTACT OF INTEREST; ID
POSS. SUSPECT; COMMENTS REQUIRED
90 DAYS
TEST /ACCIDENTAL ACT. SYSTEM CHECK AT BEGINNING OF DUTY
TOUR/ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION
90 DAYS
TRAFFIC CITATION TRAFFIC STOP RESULTING IN CITATION 3 YEARS
ISSUED
TRAFFIC /NO CITATION TRAFFIC STOP RESULTING IN NO
CITATION ISSUED
90 DAYS
TRAINING EVENT THAT COULD ASSIST IN
DEPARTMENT TRAINING - VIEWABLE TO
ALL PERSONNEL
90 DAYS
USE-OF-FORCE FOOTAGE OR AUDIO OF DOCUMENTED
USE-OF-FORCE
6 YEARS
C. DATA DOCUMENTING THE DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM BY A PEACE OFFICER IN THE
COURSE OF DUTY, OTHER THAN FOR TRAINING OR THE KILLING OF AN ANIMAL THAT
IS SICK, INJURED, OR DANGEROUS, MUST BE MAINTAINED FOR A MINIMUM PERIOD OF
ONE YEAR.
D. CERTAIN KINDS OF BWC DATA MUST BE RETAINED FOR SIX YEARS:
1. DATA THAT DOCUMENTS THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE BY A PEACE OFFICER, OR
FORCE OF A SUFFICIENT TYPE OR DEGREE TO REQUIRE A USE OF FORCE REPORT
OR SUPERVISORY REVIEW.
2. DATA DOCUMENTING CIRCUMSTANCES THAT HAVE GIVEN RISE TO A FORMAL
COMPLAINT AGAINST AN OFFICER.
E. OTHER DATA HAVING EVIDENTIARY VALUE SHALL BE RETAINED FOR THE PERIOD
SPECIFIED IN THE RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE. WHEN A PARTICULAR
RECORDING IS SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE RETENTION PERIODS, IT SHALL BE MAINTAINED
FOR THE LONGEST APPLICABLE PERIOD.
F. SUBJECT TO PART F (BELOW), ALL OTHER BWC FOOTAGE THAT IS CLASSIFIED AS
NON-EVIDENTIARY, BECOMES CLASSIFIED AS NON-EVIDENTIARY, OR IS NOT
MAINTAINED FOR TRAINING SHALL BE DESTROYED AFTER 90 DAYS.
G. UPON WRITTEN REQUEST BY A BWC DATA SUBJECT, THE AGENCY SHALL RETAIN A
RECORDING PERTAINING TO THAT SUBJECT FOR AN ADDITIONAL TIME PERIOD
REQUESTED BY THE SUBJECT OF UP TO 180 DAYS. THE AGENCY WILL NOTIFY THE
REQUESTOR AT THE TIME OF THE REQUEST THAT THE DATA WILL THEN BE
DESTROYED UNLESS A NEW WRITTEN REQUEST IS RECEIVED.
H. OFFICERS OR SUPERVISORS THAT ARE INFORMED OF A REASON TO RECLASSIFY A
RECORDING AND RETENTION PERIOD SHALL MAKE APPROPRIATE NOTIFICATION TO
DO SO TO A SUPERVISOR OR SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR (E.G. A FORMAL COMPLAINT
RECEIVED)
I. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL MAINTAIN AN INVENTORY OF BWC RECORDINGS HAVING
EVIDENTIARY VALUE.
J. THE DEPARTMENT WILL POST THIS POLICY, TOGETHER WITH A LINK TO ITS RECORDS
RETENTION SCHEDULE, ON ITS WEBSITE.
COMPLIANCE
SUPERVISORS SHALL MONITOR FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY. THE UNAUTHORIZED
ACCESS TO OR DISCLOSURE OF BWC DATA MAY CONSTITUTE MISCONDUCT AND SUBJECT
INDIVIDUALS TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES PURSUANT TO MINN.
STAT. § 13.09.