Purpose

Law enforcement agencies and the community will benefit from clear guidelines involving the use of body-worn cameras and related privacy issues.

Standard

Law enforcement agencies that use body worn cameras must establish a written policy for their use. The policy shall address the following areas:

• The purpose and organizational philosophy regarding use
• requirements and restrictions for activation and deactivation of the device
• criminal and administrative use of the camera captured data
• data storage, retention, and disclosure requirements reflective of public records law and privacy concerns
• accountability and training requirements for users and supervisors; and requirements for a documented review of camera captured data

Commentary

Agencies who utilize body worn cameras must develop strong and consistent policies that provide guidance to their personnel as to the appropriate use of body worn cameras. Policies need to address, at a minimum, activation and deactivation, auditing, storage, retention, public records and the release of video related to victims, especially child victims, injured victims, victims of sexual assault and other privacy concerns. It is recognized that audio and video data is valuable recorded evidence that may provide a means of accountability for both officers and the public. It is also recognized that audio and video data may not be an accurate reflection of all that is involved with an incident. Audio and video data cannot reflect the human and cognitive conditions associated with officer and public contact. Additionally, audio and video shall not supersede the principles established by Graham vs. Connor.