> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.blainecountysheriffoffice.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.blainecountysheriffoffice.org/sop/section-5-department-procedure/5.22-dashcam-policy.md). # 5.22 - Dashcam Policy ## Dashcam Policy ### 1. Purpose The purpose of this In-Vehicle Video System Policy is to establish guidelines for the proper use, activation, storage, management, and oversight of dashboard-mounted video recording systems (dashcams) installed in **Blaine County Sheriff's Office (BCSO)** vehicles. Dashcams are deployed to enhance deputy safety, document law enforcement encounters, support criminal investigations, preserve evidence, and promote transparency, accountability, and public trust. *** ### 2. Policy Statement It is the policy of the **Blaine County Sheriff's Office (BCSO)** that all department-issued vehicles equipped with dashcams shall utilize the system during official law enforcement activities as outlined in this policy. Dashcam recordings shall accurately document events as they occur and shall be considered official records of the Blaine County Sheriff's Office. *** ### 3. Scope This policy applies to all sworn **BCSO deputies** operating department-issued vehicles equipped with dashcam systems. It also applies to supervisors responsible for reviewing, auditing, maintaining, or managing dashcam recordings and equipment. *** ### 4. Definitions **Dashcam:** An in-vehicle audio and video recording system installed in authorized BCSO vehicles. **Recording:** The digital capture of video and/or audio by a dashcam system. **Triggering Event:** A predefined action or event (such as the activation of emergency lights or sirens) that automatically initiates recording. **Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS):** The secure evidence storage system utilized by the Blaine County Sheriff's Office for the upload, retention, management, and retrieval of digital recordings. *** ### 5. System Installation and Maintenance Dashcam systems shall be installed, maintained, repaired, and serviced only by certified **BCSO technicians** or department-approved vendors. Only Sheriff's Office-approved dashcam equipment and software may be utilized. Deputies shall not alter, remove, disable, or tamper with any hardware or software components of the dashcam system without authorization. *** ### 6. Activation Requirements #### 6.1 Automatic Activation Dashcams shall automatically begin recording whenever any of the following occurs: * Emergency lights are activated. * Emergency sirens are activated. * The patrol vehicle exceeds the department-designated activation speed threshold. * Manual activation by the deputy. #### 6.2 Manual Activation Deputies shall manually activate the dashcam during: * Traffic stops. * Vehicle pursuits. * Foot pursuits. * DUI investigations. * Roadside investigations. * Interviews conducted outside the patrol vehicle. * Any enforcement action requiring the deputy to exit the vehicle. * Prisoner or detainee transportation. #### 6.3 Deactivation Dashcam recording shall remain active until the conclusion of the incident or until the deputy determines no additional enforcement or investigative action is anticipated. Whenever practical, deputies shall document the reason for any manual deactivation in the associated incident report. *** ### 7. Audio Recording Protocols All dashcam systems shall be configured to record audio utilizing department-issued wireless microphones. Deputies shall inspect and verify the proper operation of assigned microphones at the beginning of each shift. Wireless microphones shall remain activated during enforcement contacts and law enforcement interactions occurring outside the patrol vehicle whenever practical. *** ### 8. Prohibited Usage Dashcams shall not be used to record: * Personal or non-work-related conversations between deputies. * Meal breaks, personal stops, or other non-enforcement activities. * Areas where individuals possess a reasonable expectation of privacy, including locker rooms, restrooms, or medical facilities, unless directly related to an official law enforcement action. *** ### 9. Review and Documentation #### 9.1 Deputy Review Deputies may review their own dashcam recordings prior to preparing reports, testimony, or incident documentation to ensure accuracy. #### 9.2 Supervisory Review Supervisors shall conduct periodic reviews of dashcam recordings for: * Performance evaluations. * Critical incident investigations. * Use-of-force incidents. * Vehicle pursuits. * Citizen complaints. * Random compliance audits. #### 9.3 Documentation Deputies shall document within the appropriate incident or arrest report that dashcam footage exists and has been uploaded to the department's Digital Evidence Management System. *** ### 10. Upload and Storage Procedures #### 10.1 Uploading Requirements All dashcam recordings shall be uploaded to the **BCSO Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS)** before the conclusion of the deputy's shift whenever practical. If immediate upload is not possible because of equipment failure, emergency circumstances, or operational necessity, the deputy shall immediately notify a supervisor and complete a **BCSO Incident Upload Delay Report (Form BCSO-5092-DC).** #### 10.2 Retention Schedule * Non-evidentiary recordings: Minimum retention of 120 days. * Citation and arrest recordings: Retained until final case disposition plus a minimum of two years. * Critical incidents, use-of-force incidents, Internal Affairs investigations, or criminal investigations: Minimum retention of 10 years or longer when required. *** ### 11. Security and Chain of Custody All dashcam recordings are the property of the **Blaine County Sheriff's Office**. The BCSO Digital Evidence Management System shall maintain complete audit logs documenting all access, viewing, editing, downloading, sharing, and deletion activity. Unauthorized access, duplication, alteration, release, or deletion of dashcam recordings is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action, termination, and/or criminal prosecution. *** ### 12. Public Records and Disclosure Requests for dashcam recordings shall be processed in accordance with applicable public records laws and **BCSO Records Division** procedures. Requests involving juveniles, victims of crimes, ongoing investigations, protected medical information, or other confidential material shall be reviewed by legal counsel before release. Media requests, attorney requests, and formal public records requests shall be processed through the **BCSO Public Affairs Unit**, **Records Division**, or **Legal Advisor**, as applicable. *** ### 13. Deputy Responsibilities Deputies shall: * Ensure dashcam equipment is fully operational before beginning each shift. * Immediately report equipment malfunctions or missing recordings to a supervisor. * Properly categorize and label recordings during upload. * Accurately document dashcam usage in all applicable reports. * Maintain familiarity with this policy and all related departmental procedures. *** ### 14. Supervisory Responsibilities Supervisors shall: * Conduct routine monthly audits of dashcam recordings. * Investigate reported equipment failures or policy violations. * Review recordings involving critical incidents and forward findings through the chain of command. * Ensure assigned deputies receive required training. * Monitor compliance with this policy and initiate corrective action when necessary. *** ### 15. Disciplinary and Legal Implications Deputies found in violation of this policy may be subject to progressive disciplinary action. Intentional misuse, destruction, alteration, concealment, or unauthorized dissemination of dashcam recordings may constitute gross misconduct and may result in termination, criminal prosecution, and/or civil liability. Failure to properly document, preserve, or upload recordings without justifiable cause shall be considered a violation of department policy. *** ### 16. Training Requirements All deputies shall receive initial certification and annual refresher training covering: * Dashcam operation and maintenance. * Privacy laws and legal considerations. * Evidence preservation and retention requirements. * Proper report writing involving digital evidence. * Department policies governing dashcam usage. *** ### 17. Policy Review and Updates This policy shall be reviewed annually by the **Office of the Sheriff** in coordination with **Internal Affairs**. Recommendations for revisions shall be submitted through the chain of command to the **Sheriff of the Blaine County Sheriff's Office** for review and approval. Approved revisions shall be distributed electronically and communicated during roll-call briefings, with acknowledgment required from all affected personnel. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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