41.3.10 (LE1) In-Car and/or Body-Worn Audio/Video Review

41.3.10 (LE1)

(M M M M) (LE1) In-Car and/or Body-Worn Audio/Video Review

If the agency employs in-car and/or body-worn cameras, a written directive governs the review of captured data, to include:

a.employee review for the completion of reports;

b.employee review prior to making statements in administrative and criminal investigations;

c.employee review of data captured by another employee;

d.investigative review during an organizational integrity, administrative or criminal investigation;

e.documented supervisory review including frequency and quantity; and

f.an annual administrative review of the in-car and/or body-worn camera program reviewed by the CEO.

Commentary

Among other challenges associated with the expansion of in-car and body-worn camera usage is the question of when officers should be permitted to review recordings prior to completing reports and giving statements about the events recorded by the cameras. Although the approach for addressing this issue should be anchored to organizational philosophy and broader investigative techniques applied in the respective jurisdiction, it is critical the associated protocol be established and followed regarding the collection of employee statements associated with criminal and administrative investigations.

It is critical to develop regular and periodic review practices for supervisors to prevent claims of negligent supervision, as well as confirm schedules of data retention, identify opportunities for improvement, and identify exemplary performance. Procedures should include the review of a minimum number of captured data files over a specific timeframe.

It is also important for the agency to conduct a review of its in-car and/or body-worn camera program and related collected data to ensure organizational integrity. The review may be conducted by command-level personnel from the organizational component of the person capturing the data or other components at the discretion of the chief executive officer. The review should include a sufficient amount of data captured by personnel across the organization to assess the alignment of policy, training and operational practices with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Results of the review should be provided to the chief executive officer.

Review protocols for captured data from sources other than in-car and or body-worn camera systems are addressed in Chapter 82 Central Records and Chapter 84 Property and Evidence Control. (M M M M) (LE1)