6.1.
CC Regular Session
- Meeting Date:
- 09/13/2022
- Submitted For:
- Brad Bluml
- By:
- Brad Bluml, Police
Information
Title:
PUBLIC HEARING: Police Body Worn Cameras - public comment on policy.
Purpose/Background:
In 2006 the Police Department implemented its first squad car camera recording system from Panasonic. At this time the recording unit had a single camera that recorded out the front of the squad car windshield. It also had a wireless body microphone that the officer wore that recorded audio if the officer was near and in range of the squad car.
In 2014 the Police Department upgraded its current system to the Panasonic Arbitrator system it is still using today. This system has five cameras installed in the squad car; recording out of the front windshield, rear window, driver side window, passenger side window, and one camera recording the back seat prisoner area. It also has a wireless body microphone which the officer wears on their person.
To stay progressive with technology, due to the changing climate of law enforcement/citizen interactions, and with the growth in the City of Ramsey having several large apartment complexes where the current microphone packs don't reach, staff from the police department began researching a variety of Body Worn Camera vendors which will be purchased and added in 2022.
In accordance with Minnesota State Statute 626.8473, our draft Body Worn Camera policy has been on the police web page since July 29th, 2022, with a form available for public comments. Also in compliance with this Statute, specifically subd. 2, this case will allow for public comment on the draft Body Worn Camera policy at this regularly scheduled meeting.
In 2014 the Police Department upgraded its current system to the Panasonic Arbitrator system it is still using today. This system has five cameras installed in the squad car; recording out of the front windshield, rear window, driver side window, passenger side window, and one camera recording the back seat prisoner area. It also has a wireless body microphone which the officer wears on their person.
To stay progressive with technology, due to the changing climate of law enforcement/citizen interactions, and with the growth in the City of Ramsey having several large apartment complexes where the current microphone packs don't reach, staff from the police department began researching a variety of Body Worn Camera vendors which will be purchased and added in 2022.
In accordance with Minnesota State Statute 626.8473, our draft Body Worn Camera policy has been on the police web page since July 29th, 2022, with a form available for public comments. Also in compliance with this Statute, specifically subd. 2, this case will allow for public comment on the draft Body Worn Camera policy at this regularly scheduled meeting.
Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives:
Due to the current camera body-worn microphone packs not having a range where they can stay connected to record the officers inside apartment buildings or larger businesses when they are a distance away from their squad car, staff recommends the time frame for purchasing the Body Worn Cameras be for 2022.
Recommendation:
Staff requests council allow citizens to comment on the policy at this time.
Outcome/Action:
The Chief of Police, Jeff Katers, will review these comments, along with those received via the web and sent via mail, and use them to finalize the draft policy.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Katers | Jeff Katers | 09/06/2022 12:26 PM |
| Diana Lund | Diana Lund | 09/07/2022 07:59 AM |
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 09/08/2022 10:53 AM |
- Form Started By:
- Brad Bluml
- Started On:
- 08/24/2022 02:56 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 09/08/2022