Does policy provide guidance on process/requirements for data download (individual responsible, time requirements, by end of shift, etc.)?
Sample Policy 1: Each BWC shall be synced to the deputy in a cloud-based storage system. Each deputy shall ensure the assigned BWC is synced to him/her in the cloud-based storage system. All recorded BWC media shall be securely uploaded no later than their next scheduled day off to the BWC's cloud-based storage system in accordance with the current retention schedule. This does not include extra duty days or overtime.
Sample Policy 2: Police officers shall ensure that all files from an issued or approved body-worn camera are securely downloaded and retained, in accordance with the “Storage and Retention” section of this policy, with sufficient frequency so as to ensure that there remains adequate data storage available for recording future incidents.
Storage and Retention:
- Digital multimedia video files shall be maintained in an approved storage location such as a server, storage device, cloud storage, website, or other approved secure storage media authorized by the Chief of Police.
- All digital multimedia video files shall be securely stored in accordance with state record retention laws and department policy.
Sample Policy 3: At the end of each shift, members should download recordings to either the cloud or the local server, depending on the model of recording device. Supervisors of units that go off duty from the field may authorize those members to download recordings as soon as practicable the next shift the member works. The department recognizes that circumstances may arise that prevent the download of recordings at the end of the shift (late calls, device malfunctions, etc.). In those cases, members will advise their supervisor of the delay and download the recordings during the next shift the member works, or as otherwise directed by the supervisor.
Does policy specify prohibitions for data tampering, copying, and deleting?
Sample Policy 1: No officer shall attempt to erase, edit, or otherwise alter any data captured by a BWC. The downloading or converting of any recording captured by a BWC for any type of personal use is strictly prohibited.
Sample Policy 2: All images and sounds recorded by the BWC are the exclusive property of this department. Accessing, copying, or releasing files for non–law enforcement purposes is strictly prohibited. Officers shall not edit, alter, erase, duplicate, copy, share, or otherwise distribute in any manner BWC recordings or portions thereof.
Only recordings and digital photographs subpoenaed for court or those necessary for departmental hearings or for training purposes will be copied. Copying of recordings shall be performed by the evidence custodian or at the direction of a member of the command staff. No BWC video recording or digital photograph will be copied by or for employees for personal reasons unless specifically approved by the Chief of Police.
Sample Policy 3: Deputies will not edit, alter, erase, duplicate, copy, share, or otherwise distribute or disseminate in any manner BWC recordings without prior written authorization and approval of the Sheriff or his designee.
Does policy specify process for tagging of videos by category?
Sample Policy 1: All files shall be securely downloaded periodically and, generally, no later than the end of each shift. Each file shall contain information related to the date, BWC identifier, and assigned officer. Each file will be recorded as or tagged with a default descriptor and will be maintained as in keeping with the state records management law. Each officer will log into the file storage system by their individual user name and password. Officers are responsible for tagging their individual recordings as follows:
- Arrest/Detainment: All officers involved in any incident that results in the detainment or arrest of a person shall tag the recording as such. This file will be maintained for a period of no less than 30 months, as outlined in the state records management law.
- Use of Force: Officers involved in any use of physical force shall tag the recording as such. This file will be maintained for a period of no less than 30 months, as outlined in the state records management law.
- Criminal Investigation: Officers who record any criminal investigation shall tag the recording as such. This file will be maintained for a period of no less than 30 months, as outlined in the state records management law.
- Vehicular Accident: Officers whose video shows a vehicular accident shall be tagged as such. This file will be maintained for a period of no less than 30 months, as outlined in the state records mManagement law.
- Citation: All officers involved in the issuance of any citation shall tag the recording as such. NOTE: accident investigations that result in the issuance of a citation will be tagged as “Citation.” This file will be maintained for a period of no less than 30 months, as outlined in the state records management law.
- Pending Review: All officers involved in any incident not defined above, but where the nature of the incident may prove of training or other value, will be tagged as such, with the result that this file will be maintained for 180 days.
Recordings that contain evidence that is or can be reasonably anticipated as necessary for pending litigation shall be retained for 30 months from the date of such recording, and if litigation is commenced during such period it shall be retained until a final adjudication of such litigation.
Sample Policy 2: Members will download all BWC video files to Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS)–compliant offsite storage (cloud storage) using the approved department docking equipment. Videos will automatically upload once the BWC is placed in the approved docking/charging station. In an effort to reduce the possibility that a video is inadvertently overlooked from a retention standpoint, ALL video must be tagged using one of the provided tagging categories.
Sample Policy 3: Recordings will be stored for a specific duration based upon their event type. Officers are responsible for choosing the proper event type for their recording(s). The following are the available event types and storage durations:
- Traffic Warning – 90 Days
- Traffic Citation – 180 Days
- Traffic Accident – 180 Days
- Assault – 2 Years
- Domestic – 90 Days
- Drug Charge/Seizure – 2 Years
- DUI – 2 Years
- Evading/Pursuit – 2 Years
- Motorist Assist – 60 Days
- Suspicious Vehicle/Behavior – 60 Days
- Test Recording – 30 Days
- Other Criminal Offense – 2 Years
- Other Incident – 90 Days
