 |
AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 04/28/2025
Agenda Item:
Presentation re the independent audit results of the Mankato Department of Public Safety Body-Worn Camera Program.
Recommendation/Action(s):
Review and discuss the attached Mankato Department of Public Safety Body-Worn Camera Audit.
Summary:
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes 13.825 and 626.8473, the City of Mankato Department of Public Safety (MDPS) recently completed the state-mandated biennial audit of its Body-Worn Camera (BWC) program. The independent audit, conducted by Rampart Audit LLC, covered the period of October 21, 2022, through October 21, 2024. The purpose of the audit was to ensure compliance with statutory requirements related to the use, data storage, retention, access, and public disclosure of BWC data.
Rampart Audit, LLC reviewed MDPS policies, procedures, and operations. This audit included a sampling of BWC data to verify recordkeeping. The purpose of the audit is to provide MDPS with recommendations to improve the BWC program and enhance compliance with statutory requirements.
Rampart Audit LLC found the Mankato Department of Public Safety’s BWC written policy, data retention, data destruction, data access, data classification, compliance and disciplinary requirements (discipline and potential criminal penalties) to be compliant.
Rampart Audit LLC wrote, "In our opinion, the Mankato Department of Public Safety's Body-Worn Camera Program is substantially compliant with Minnesota Statutes 13.825 and 626.8473."
A Certificate of Compliance recognizing successful completion of the 2025 biennial audit was awarded to the Mankato Department of Public Safety.
It is important to note that while many agencies across the state continue to navigate compliance challenges, the Mankato Department of Public Safety was found to be substantially compliant across all statutory areas evaluated. This outcome demonstrates the department’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of technology in policing.
The final audit report has been submitted to the Minnesota Legislative Commission on Data Practices and Personal Data Privacy, as required by statute.
Rampart Audit, LLC reviewed MDPS policies, procedures, and operations. This audit included a sampling of BWC data to verify recordkeeping. The purpose of the audit is to provide MDPS with recommendations to improve the BWC program and enhance compliance with statutory requirements.
Rampart Audit LLC found the Mankato Department of Public Safety’s BWC written policy, data retention, data destruction, data access, data classification, compliance and disciplinary requirements (discipline and potential criminal penalties) to be compliant.
Rampart Audit LLC wrote, "In our opinion, the Mankato Department of Public Safety's Body-Worn Camera Program is substantially compliant with Minnesota Statutes 13.825 and 626.8473."
A Certificate of Compliance recognizing successful completion of the 2025 biennial audit was awarded to the Mankato Department of Public Safety.
It is important to note that while many agencies across the state continue to navigate compliance challenges, the Mankato Department of Public Safety was found to be substantially compliant across all statutory areas evaluated. This outcome demonstrates the department’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of technology in policing.
The final audit report has been submitted to the Minnesota Legislative Commission on Data Practices and Personal Data Privacy, as required by statute.