HomeMy WebLinkAboutIn Car Video Grant Application 2010 I
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
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14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. • P.O. Box 2007 Brian DeRosier
Oak Park Heights, Minnesota 55082 Chief of Police
Telephone: (651) 439 -4723
Fax: (651) 439 -3639
Emergency: 911
April 28, 2010
MN Dept. of Public Safety / Office of Traffic Safety
444 Cedar St., Suite 150
St Paul, MN 55101 -5150
Dear Sir or Madam;
Please find attached the application of the Oak Park Heights Police Department for the 2010 in car video
grant.
The ability'of our department to receive grant awarded video systems will allow us to implement
department wide video which in these financially difficult times for cities may not otherwise be possible.
In carvideo for police has become an industry standard expectation by the public, and courts, as well as
the officers themselves requesting it. The video systems have proven themselves time and time again
in resolving complaints in a quick and effective manner, as well as instilling a confidence by the public
that officers are accountable. The cameras in our squads will also instill a confidence for our officers
that they will not be falsely accused of misconduct and that the camera's can and will be used for
ongoing officer safety.
Brian DeRosier
Chief of Police
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IN -CAR CAMERA GRANT APPLICATION FORM
Law Enforcement Agency:Oak Park Heights Police Department
MN Tax ID #: 72015839 Federal Tax ID #:41- 0941681
(only one Tax ID # is required)
Mailing Address:
14168 Oak Park Blvd. No.
P.O. Box 2007
Oak Park Heights. MN 55082
Phone: 651 - 439 -4723
Fax: 651 - 439 -3639
Website :www.citvofoaknarkheights.com
Name of Chief law Enforcement Officer:Brian DeRosier
Phone: 651- 439 -4723
E -mail: bwderosWi#Y�f(?aknarkheights.com
Application Contact & Title (if not the Chief Law Enforcement Officer)
Chief Brian DeRosier
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Phone: j
E -mail:
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AGENCY INFORMATION
Geographic Area Served (specific to this proposal)
Citv of Oak Park Heights - Primary
Regular assistance provided to agencies - Stillwater. Bavport, and Washington Countv
Number of Law Enforcement Officers
Full-time:
Part -time: 0
Number of Vehicles
Currently equipped with in -car cameras:1
Not equipped with in -car cameras:S
Grant Request Information
Name of In -Car Camera Requested (select one):
®WatchGuard DV -1
❑Digital Ally DVM -750
❑Coban TopCam EDGE
❑ICOP Model 20/20 — W
❑L3 Mobile Vision Flashback2
❑Panasonic Arbitrator 360
❑DigitalSafety Technologies DP -2
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Number of In -Car Cameras Requested:3
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Basic Agreement
(please mark an X in the boxes if the Chief Law Enforcement Officer or designee agrees with the
following statements)
In -Car Camera Policv
®The Agency In -Car Camera Policy is submitted with the grant application
❑The Agency In -Car Camera Policy is not submitted with grant application. Our In -Car Camera Policy is
currently being developed and will be submitted prior to receiving our in -car camera(s).
Trainine on the Operational Use of the In -Car Camera
®AII Law Enforcement Officers whose primary responsibility is patrolling public roads and interacting with the
public including first line supervisors responsible for supervising the officers will receive training on the
operational use of the in -car camera prior to use.
®The Chief Law Enforcement Officer or shift supervisor will complete and mail or fax the Operational Use
Training Form found in Attachment B to the OTS, attention Hal Campbell, within three days after the training is
completed.
Law Enforcement Officer Pre -Post Survey
®Each Law Enforcement Officer that will be using an in -car camera obtained through the grant program will
complete a pre -post survey of approximately 10 —12 questions through Survey Monkey. Survey responses will
be anonymous. The results will be aggregated, and there will be no reports generated by agency.
Chief Law Enforcement Officer Survev
®The Chief Law Enforcement Officer or designee will complete a survey 6 months after in -car camera(s) use.
Questions will be asked about tracking officer behavior complaints received, resolution of the complaints,
whether cameras were used in the resolutions and if so, if the camera was useful. Questions will also be asked
about camera use, challenges, problems and success stories. The survey is part of the Agency final report.
Final Report
®The Chief Law Enforcement Officer or designee will submit a final report within 30 days after 6 months of
using the in -car camera(s) obtained through this grant. The report will describe: 1) the agency's activities and
experiences using an in -car camera or cameras during traffic stops, 2) current efforts to prevent biased policing,
3) how the in -car camera was used to prevent biased policing, 4) procedural components aimed at eliminating
biased policing at traffic stops, 5) what is considered to be appropriate, inappropriate, and unlawful conduct, j
and 6) how the agency addresses federal and state constitutional and statutory laws prohibiting discrimination
by law enforcement. The OTS will provide the reporting format by October 1, 2010. The final report will be
submitted to the OTS, attention Hal Campbell.
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Reauired local Match
®The required local match is $300.00 for each in -car camera. The Agency understands that $200.00 of the
required match for each in -car camera may be used for installation. The Agency will send payment of either
$300.00 or $100.00 and a receipt of $200.00 that shows the camera was installed to the Minnesota Sheriffs'
Association. Money must be received by the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association before the Agency receives their in-
car camara or cameras. Proof of installation must be received by the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association within 60
days of receipt of in -car camera(s). Otherwise, the agency will not receive credit for installation and will be
responsible for providing payment to the Sheriffs' Association the amout of $300.00 per in -car camera received
by the agency through the grant.
Agreement with the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association
®Agency will enter into an agreement with the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association to order in -car cameras.
®Agency will request the model and number of in -car cameras by Friday, June 25, 2010.
®Agency will agree to pick -up in -car cameras from the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association if the Agency is located
50 miles or less from the Minnesoat Sheriffs' Association. This will be determined by the OTS.
®In -car camera orders will be placed by the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association June 29, 2010.
Anti Biased Policing Policv
®The Agency's Impartial Policing Policy is submitted with the grant application.
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Narrative
1. Describe the agency's need for in -car cameras.
The Oak Park Heights Police Department serves a diverse population. A ring suburb of the twin cities metro
area we provide service not only to our local residents but a large daily influx of traffic and visitors to the
area educational facilities, tourists, businesses, correctional facilities, and retail destinations.
We currently have no in car video in our 3 primary patrol vehicles. We have 1 system "Watch Guard DV1"
installed in an unmarked vehicle used for our SRO, this is also used during Safe and Sober and other
dedicated traffic enforcement programs. This system was recently installed in 2009.
By installing in car video in our remaining 3 primary patrol vehicles we gain the ability to meet the
expectations of the grant goals and those of our department. Being a small department in difficult
budgetary times we are limited in our ability to provide this equipment. The added video being the same
systems as we currently have will aid in ease of transition into operation.
Our use of the video system will provide for added officer safety with the DV1 systems numerous
operational modes and rear facing camera. Recording facts of our contacts with the public provide us the
ability to resolve complaints in an efficient and unbiased manner while documenting evidence. They
provide a means to avoid costly litigation. The systems have already proven themselves with increased
officer attention to performance and avoided litigation. Our ability to provide positive feedback to officers
and not just looking at the negative promotes department and officer moral and professionalism. The use of
the Watchguard DV1 specifically allows a department our size the ability to catalog and retain the data
easily and professionaly. The video systems will allow the department to review any possible racial profiling
or other officer performance issues before they become a legal, or public perception liabilty. The in car
video has become an expectation as "industry standard" by the public, and not having the video can create a
perception by the public and defense counsel of the department or officers trying to hide something. The
systems will allow us to monitor and correct any issues of non compliance with our impartial policing policy.
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2. Describe the agency's current efforts to prevent biased policing.
The Oak Park Heights Police Department puts a high priority on officer training. Training is a key in
prevention and awarness of the issues. We send officers to training using various outlets such as the league
of MN Cities - Online Patrol Training, Century College Slot Program, IACP Training Keys, and other individual
training programs as they are available, as well as continual in house training.
Officer conduct and reports are reviewed daily by administration and on duty supervisor for bias motivated
enforcement and complaince with constitutional issues. All questionable stops or contacts are reveiwed
with the officer to correct unprofessional conduct as well as bring attention to professional conduct.
The Oak Park Heights Police Department Mission Statement written in 2009 upon the change of command
exemplifies our commitment to unbias ethical treatment of all.
"The members of the Oak Park Heights Police Department endeavor to maintain a safe and healthy
community for all with excellence in professional, ethical, and responsive services; treating all members of
the public with respect and acting with integrity.
3. Describe how the agency will use the in -car camera(s) for coaching and training and differentiate between
how the in -car camera(s) will be used for training new recruits, seasoned officers, and supervisors.
Training is one of the cornerstones to all conduct of an officer and department. New recruits come to a
department with varying exposure to the duties and situations they encounter on the street. The video
systems provide immediate audible and video feedback essential to trainee acceptance and understanding
of the mistakes they may have made, or reinforcing the professsional way they did handle the situation. The
FTO is able to provide this immediate feedback as well as its use in documentation of an officer that is
having difficulties with the position and may need to be dismissed from the position prior to completing the
probationary period.
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Seasoned officers as we all know do not like change or feedback that they feel is opinion. The video and
audio provides the department the ability to show officers what is in need of improvement for officer safety,
professional conduct, and other areas of improvement in a format the officer will accept as unbiased. The
video will also be used as inservice training in simunitions and other training scenerios.
Supervisors will be able to review the video for individual officer training issues that need to be addressed as
well as a department wide areas of procedure or conduct that may need to be addressed. The video
provides the supervisor in our small department the ability to have contact with all officers of the
department even though they were not physically able to work with each officer on duty.
4. Describe the agency's guidelines for reinforcing techniques that are lawful and appropriate.
One of the intended benefits of the Oak Park Heights Police Department implementing the use of in car
video department wide will allow the department to conduct random, periodic review of all officers conduct
and abilities while performing on the street. This will assist in providing feedback for the department in the
area of needed training and complaince with state law, federal law, constitutional requirments, and
compliance with department policy. Officers found not in compliance would be subject to various levels of
retraining or discipline.
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Grant Terms and Conditions
Purchase of Equipment. Any equipment purchased under this grant shall be used primarily for traffic safety
purposes during the life of the equipment. The Grantee may not deviate from this requirement and may not
dispose of any equipment unless it has first obtained permission from the State. Only equipment specified in
the grant may be purchased.
Responsibility for Equipment. The Grantee shall be responsible for all operating, maintenance, and repair
costs of equipment purchased under this grant unless otherwise specified. Title to equipment acquired
under this grant shall vest upon the Grantee.
This grant is subject to all applicable federal and state statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to
the following:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and 49 CFR Part 27 which relates to
handicapped persons.
49 CFR Part 23 — Participation by minority enterprises in Department of Transportation Programs; 49 CFR
Part 29 Subpart F — The Drug -Free Workplace Act of 1988; 23 U.S.C. 101 Note and 41 U.S.C.10a — Buy
America Act; and 49 CFR Part 29 — Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension. These provisions are
incorporated by reference and made a part of this grant.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
By signing below, I certify that the information contained in this application is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, that I have the authority to enter into this grant application as required by applicable articles, bylaws,
resolutions, or ordinances, and the Grant Applicant will meet all the terms and conditions required of the DPS /OTS
2010 In -Car Camera Grant Application.
Name/Title Date
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OAK PARK HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT MANUAL
2 -300.1 IMPARTIAL POLICING POLICY
Effective: 11-01-01
Distribution: All
Purpose: This policy is intended to reaffirm our department's commitment to impartial/unbiased
policing and to reinforce procedures that serve to assure the public that we are
providing service and enforcing laws in a fair and impartial manner to all.
POLICY.
A) Policing Impartially
1) Investigative detentions, pedestrian and vehicle stops, arrests, searches and
property seizures by officers will be based on a standard of reasonable suspicion
or probable cause in accordance with the Fourth Amendment of the United States
Constitution. Officers must be able to articulate specific facts, circumstances and
conclusions that support reasonable suspicions or probable cause for investigative
detentions, pedestrian and vehicle stops, arrests, nonconsensual searches and
property seizures.
2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), officers shall not consider race, ethnicity,
national origin, gender, sexual orientation and religion in establishing either
reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
3) Officers may take into account the descriptors in paragraph (2) of a specific
suspect(s) based on information that links specific, sus
p , petted, unlawful or
suspicious activity to a particular individual or group of individuals. This
information may be used in the same manner officers use specific information
regarding age, height, weight, etc. about specific suspects.
B) Preventing Perception of Biased Policing - Procedural Guidelines
In an effort to prevent the perception of biased law enforcement, officers shall
utilize the following guidelines:
• Be respectful and professional
• Introduce or identify yourself to the citizen and state the reason for the
contact as soon as practical, unless providing this information will
compromise officer or public safety.
• Ensure that the detention is no longer than necessary to take appropriate
action for the known or suspected offense.
• Attempt to answer any relevant questions the citizen may have regarding
the citizen/officer contact, including relevant referrals to other agencies
when appropriate.
■ Provide your name and badge number when requested, by giving subject
your department business card with that information on it.
Explain and/or apologize if you determine that the reasonable suspicion
was unfounded (e.g. after an investigatory stop).
SUPERVISION AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
Supervisors shall ensure that all personnel in their command are familiar with the content
of this policy and are operating in compliance with it.
Oak Park Heights Police Department Policy
Re: In car video Systems
Effective Date: 04 -28 -2010
Revision Dates:
Procedure #: 6 -818
A. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide the Oak Park Heights Police Department with guidelines
for the use, management, access, retention, handling of evidence, degaussing, storage, and
retrieval of audio - visual media recorded by in -car video systems.
B. Definitions
1. Recorded Media —Means audio -video signals recorded on any of several storage
devices, including, but not limited to, analog tape (VHS, SVHS, Hi 8mm), digital tape
(DV),or other portable digital storage devices (CD, DVD, hard drive, flash card, etc.).
2. In -Car Camera System and Mobile Video Recorder (MVR) —These are synonymous
terms and refer to any system that captures audio and video signals, that is capable of
installation in a vehicle, and that includes at minimum, a camera, microphone, recorder,
and monitor.
3. Supervisor— Licensed peace officers appointed with responsibility to serve as a
supervisor.
4. MVR Technician — Personnel, licensed or civilian, that are trained in the operational use
and repair of MVRs, duplicating methods, storage and retrieval methods and
procedures, and who possess a working knowledge of video forensics and evidentiary
procedures.
5. Degaussing — Electronic cleansing by overwriting, erasing, and /or destruction of
electronic storage media of analog and digital recording media that returns the media to
its original state so it is ready for the imprinting of new images.
6. Activate —Any process which causes the MVR system to transmit or store video or audio
data.
7. Law Enforcement Operator (LEO) — Primarily, a licensed peace officer, but on occasion
may be a non sworn representative of the agency, who would be authorized and
assigned to operate MVR equipped vehicles to the extent consistent with Minnesota
Statute 169.98.
8. MGDPA —The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter
13.
C. Policy
The use of the MVR system provides documentation of law enforcement interaction with the
public by providing evidence for the judicial system, internal review, or review by the public
through formal request by agency specific method. The primary function of the MVR is for
officer safety and not to initiate disciplinary action against the officer, but the data collected on
the MVR may be used as evidence relating to a complaint of misconduct made against an LEO by
any person present at the scene of the incident when such complaint could result in additional
training, counseling or disciplinary action in accordance with agency policy.
D. Procedures
1. Operational Objectives
The agency has adopted the use of MVRs to accomplish the following objectives:
a. To enhance officer safety
b. To accurately document statements and events during the course of an incident
c. To enhance the officer's ability to document and review statements and actions
for both internal reporting requirements and for courtroom
preparation /presentation
d. To provide an impartial measurement for self- critique and field evaluation
during recruitment and new officer training
e. To preserve visual and audio information for use in current and future
investigations
f. To enhance the public trust by preserving objective factual representations of
officer- citizen interactions in the form of video and audio recordings made via
an in -car camera system, and
g. To identify training needs
2. General Procedures
It is the responsibility of this agency to ensure that the audio -video recording equipment
is properly installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
a. MVR equipment shall automatically activate when emergency equipment
(lights, sirens) is operating or an LEO can start recording when they are outside
their vehicle via a wireless transmitter. The system may also be activated
manually from the control panel affixed to the interior of the vehicle.
b. Placement and operation of system components within the vehicle shall be
based on officer safety requirements and manufacturers recommendations.
c. All staff shall successfully complete an approved course of instruction prior to
being deployed with MVR systems in operational settings.
d. The agency will establish and maintain a method for the public to view recorded
events to the extent that such data is classified as public under the MGDPA.
e. The agency will ensure officers, investigators, and prosecutors have access to
the recorded events according to agency specific method for making the
recordings accessible within the criminal justice system.
f. The MVR System shall be configured to minimally record for 30 seconds, prior to
an event. An agency has the discretion to increase the pre event record time.
g. The MVR System may not be configured to record audio data occurring prior to
activation.
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3. Officers' Responsibilities
Inspection and general maintenance of MVR equipment installed in agency vehicles
shall be the responsibility of the LEO assigned to the vehicle.
a. MVR equipment shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommended guidelines and agency training and policies.
b. Prior to beginning each shift, the assigned LEO shall perform an inspection to
ensure that the MVR is performing in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations covering the following matters:
• Remote audio transmitter is functional and has an adequate power
source
• Connected to the recording equipment
• The transmitter can remotely activate the system
• The view of all cameras shall be free of obstruction
• All camera lenses shall be operational
• Camera facing intended direction
• Recording mechanism capturing both audio and video information
• System plays back both audio and video tracks
Malfunctions, damage or theft of in -car camera equipment shall be reported to the
immediate supervisor prior to placing the unit into service.
1. An agency specific report shall be completed documenting the suspected
cause(s) of equipment failure or any recommendations for corrective actions.
The supervisor shall determine if the vehicle shall be placed in service without
an operating MVR and the emergency communications center shall be so
informed.
4. MVR Recording
To the extent practical without compromising officer safety, the MVR system should be
activated and /or operated under the following circumstances and conditions:
a. Traffic stops (to include, but not limited to traffic violations, stranded motorist
assistance and all crime interdiction stops)
b. Priority responses
c. Vehicle pursuits
d. Arrests
e. Vehicle searches
f. Physical or verbal confrontations, or use of force
g. Prisoner transports
h. Crimes in progress
L Any situation where a non prisoner is in the vehicle and being transported; e.g.,
a child, an elderly person, someone having a medical event
j. Any situation or incident that the officer, through training and experience,
believes should be audibly and visually recorded
k. Law enforcement operators are encouraged to narrate events using the audio
recording, so as to provide the best documentation for pretrial and courtroom
presentation
I. When the MVR is activated, law enforcement officers shall ensure that the
audio portion is also activated so all events are properly documented
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m. And others at agency discretion.
Officers not initiating a recording at these times will be able to articulate the specific
reasons for not activating the recording. Officers found to be in violation of not
recording events on a frequent basis may be subject to disciplinary action.
S. Operational Protocols
a. To prevent bleed over and /or noise from other MVRs in systems using low band
transmitters (analog), only the primary LEO initiating the contact shall activate
his or her audio recorder.
b. Law enforcement operators using digital transmitters that are individually
synchronized to their individual MVR shall activate both audio and video
recordings when responding in a support capacity in order to obtain additional
perspectives of the incident scene.
c. Law enforcement operators may have access to review the recordings when
preparing written reports or statements of events to help ensure accuracy and
consistency of accounts.
d. With the exception of law enforcement radios or other emergency equipment,
law enforcement operators shall not use other electronic devices within the law
enforcement vehicle in order to intentionally interfere with the capability of the
MVR System to record audio data.
e. Law enforcement operators shall not erase, alter, reuse, modify or tamper with
MVR recordings. Only a supervisor, MVR technician, or agency approved
designee may erase and reissue previously recorded recordings and may only do
so pursuant to the provisions of this policy.
f. To prevent damage, original recordings shall not be viewed in any equipment
other than the equipment issued or authorized by the MVR technician
g. MVR recordings shall be considered evidence, designated by the LEO for the
appropriate retention and be submitted to the agency approved designee to
ensure that the recording is retained in accordance with the agency's policy.
h. Any other activities when in the LEO's judgment it would be beneficial to do so.
i. When the MVR is activated to document an event, it shall not be deactivated
until the event has been concluded unless:
1. The incident or event is of such duration that the MVR may be
deactivated to conserve recording times
2. The LEO does not reasonably believe that deactivation will result in the
loss of critical documentary information
3. The intention to stop the tape has been noted by the LEO either
verbally or in a written notation
j. The recording media shall be replaced as needed. The ability of the MVR to
record on hard disk will allow the operator to continue use after the media disk
is full. The MVR will write the recorded information to media disk when the
new clean disk is inserted. Officers should not wait longer than necessary to
replace the media disk after notification the current media is full. Officers
should replace the media at the first opportunity.
6. Supervisor's Responsibilities
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a. Supervisors shall ensure unrecorded media and when reasonably possible prior
to issuance, will be assigned an identification number to the exterior of the
media.
1. The numbered media is then recorded in the MVR chain of custody log
2. If the media is a computer hard drive, a computer generated file
number shall be generated internally.
b. Recorded media will be entered into evidence consistent with current evidence
standards and policy.
c. When an incident arises that requires the immediate retrieval of the recorded
media (e.g., serious crime scenes, agency shootings, agency involved crashes, a
supervisor shall respond to the scene and ensure that the appropriate
supervisor, MVR technician, or crime scene investigator removes the recorded
media. The technician or investigator shall then:
1. Place the media into evidence and provide copies to authorized
investigative personnel
2. Ensure the appropriate notation is made in the chain of custody log
d. The supervisor shall periodically review the chain of custody log to ensure that
issued media is surrendered in a timely manner. The supervisor is responsible
for determining causes for such problems (e.g., unreported problems with the
MVR equipment or equipment not being used in accordance with agency
policy).
e. Supervisors who are informed or otherwise become aware of malfunctioning
equipment shall ensure that authorized personnel make repairs in a timely
manner.
f. Supervisors shall conduct periodic reviews of officer assigned media in order to
periodically:
1. Assess officer performance
2. Assure proper functioning of MVR equipment
3. Determine if MVR equipment is being operated properly
4. Identify recordings that maybe appropriate for training
g. Supervisors shall conduct bi- weekly reviews of personnel who are newly
assigned MVR equipment in order to ensure compliance with agency policy.
These reviews shall continue until such time as the supervisor believes new
operator is competent. Supervisors shall thereafter conduct agency designated
reviews.
h. Ensure recordings that have been tagged for extended retention are tagged
properly.
i. Supervisors may activate the MVR system remotely to monitor a developing
situation such as a chase, riot, or other event threatening public safety, officer
safety, or both when the purpose is to obtain tactical information to assist in
managing the event. Supervisors shall not remotely activate the MVR system for
the purpose of surveillance regarding the conversations or actions of an officer.
7. Evidence, Storage, and General Operations Procedures
a. The evidence officer is responsible for the ordering, issuance, retrieval, storage,
and duplication of all recorded media.
b. The evidence officer shall be responsible for collecting all completed media or
for over sight and verification of wireless downloaded media.
c. Once the media is surrendered, the technician shall:
1. Ensure it is stored in a secured location with authorized controlled
access; and
2. Make appropriate entries in the chain of custody log
d. Recorded media may only be degaussed:
1. Pursuant to a court order
2. In accordance with established retention policies
e. For the purpose of accountability, all media will be assigned an identification
number prior to issuance to the field. The evidence officer will maintain a record
database of issued media.
f. The evidence officer shall coordinate with field supervisors to ensure that an
adequate supply of recorded media is available.
g. The evidence officer shall be responsible for the following:
1. Long -term storage of media deemed to be of evidentiary value
consistent with the agency's evidence storage protocols and retention
schedule
2. The degaussing and re- issuance of all other media deemed to be of no
evidentiary value consistent with the agency's document retention
requirements
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S. Media Access
a. All recording media, recorded images and audio recordings are the property of
the agency and subject to the provisions of the MGDPA. Dissemination outside
of the agency is strictly prohibited except to the extent permitted under the
MGDPA, Peace Officer Disciplinary Procedures Act or other applicable law and
without written authorization of the agency's chief executive or his or her
designee.
b. To prevent damage to, or alteration of, the original recorded media; it shall not
be copied, viewed or otherwise inserted into any device not approved by the
agency.
c. When possible, a copy of the original media shall be used for viewing by
investigators, staff, training personnel, and the courts (unless otherwise
directed by the courts) to preserve the original media in pristine condition.
d. At the conclusion of the trial proceedings or as otherwise authorized by the
prosecutor's office for which the media was required, all copies shall be
submitted to the evidence officer for further storage.
e. An officer who is captured on or referenced in the video or audio data may
review such data and use the data for any purpose relating to his /her
employment.
9. Handling of Evidence
a. The MVR equipment will be used in the prosecution of those who violate the
law, and to provide objective information concerning police /citizen contacts.
b. Recordings containing data which must be retained in anticipation of pending
civil action or are collected as part of an active investigation for the
commencement or defense of a pending civil action against the state shall
continue to be in the control of the agency, in conjunction with the Attorney
General's Office.
c. When a recording contains evidence for a case which is being investigated by
another agency, that agency shall be provided a duplicate copy of the recording
with the approval of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer.
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