> 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/5.24-bodycam-policy.md). # 5.24 - Bodycam Policy ## Bodycam Policy #### **1. Purpose** The purpose of this Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Policy is to establish consistent guidelines for the issuance, use, management, and oversight of BWCs by sworn personnel of the Blaine County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). The implementation of this policy aims to enhance transparency, increase deputy safety, document evidence, improve public trust, and protect both the public and deputies by ensuring accurate documentation of events and interactions. *** ### 2. Policy Statement It is the policy of the **Blaine County Sheriff's Office (BCSO)** that all personnel equipped with a department-issued Body-Worn Camera (BWC) shall use the device in accordance with this directive, applicable laws, and Sheriff's Office procedures. BWCs shall be used to record interactions with the public during official law enforcement activities, providing an impartial account of events to support criminal investigations, internal administrative reviews, and judicial proceedings. *** ### 3. Scope This policy applies to all sworn **BCSO deputies** who are issued a Body-Worn Camera (BWC) for the purpose of conducting law enforcement operations. This includes patrol deputies, traffic enforcement units, DUI enforcement teams, special response teams, detectives when applicable, and supervisory personnel engaged in enforcement actions. *** ### 4. Definitions **Body-Worn Camera (BWC):** A portable audio and video recording device issued by the **Blaine County Sheriff's Office (BCSO)** that is worn on the body of a deputy. **Recording:** The digital capture of audio and/or video by a Body-Worn Camera. **Official Duties:** Any activity conducted in accordance with a deputy's assigned role or function, including but not limited to enforcement actions, patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, prisoner transport, and public safety operations. **Critical Incident:** Any event involving the use of force resulting in serious bodily injury or death, a deputy-involved shooting, or any other incident as determined by the **Sheriff** or their designee. *** ### 5. General Procedures #### 5.1 Issuance and Training Body-Worn Cameras shall be issued to deputies upon successful completion of a BCSO-approved training course. All deputies shall complete initial training and annual refresher training covering: * Proper operation of the Body-Worn Camera * Equipment maintenance * Applicable legal requirements * Privacy considerations * Evidence handling * Operational procedures Deputies shall not utilize personal recording devices in place of department-issued Body-Worn Cameras while performing official duties. #### 5.2 Operational Readiness Deputies shall inspect and test their assigned Body-Worn Camera at the beginning of every shift to ensure proper functionality. Any malfunction, damage, or operational issue shall be reported immediately to a supervisor and documented using a **BCSO Equipment Malfunction Report (Form BCSO-4097-BWC).** *** ### 6. Activation Protocols #### 6.1 Mandatory Activation Events Deputies shall activate their Body-Worn Camera as soon as practical during the following events: * Traffic stops, including sobriety checkpoints * Code 3 responses utilizing emergency lights and sirens * Vehicle pursuits * DUI investigations * Investigative detentions, frisks, and arrests * Searches of persons, vehicles, or property * Physical confrontations * Verbal confrontations reasonably expected to escalate * Crowd management and civil disturbance operations * Service of arrest warrants or search warrants * Transportation of arrestees or detainees #### 6.2 Exceptions Deputies are not required to activate their Body-Worn Camera during routine administrative activities such as meal breaks, report writing, training, or other non-enforcement functions unless a reportable law enforcement event occurs. Deputies may deactivate the Body-Worn Camera after the incident has concluded or when directed by a supervisor due to operational necessity or safety concerns. #### 6.3 Deactivation Guidelines Whenever practical, deputies shall verbally announce their intent to deactivate the Body-Worn Camera before ending the recording. The reason for deactivation shall be documented within the corresponding incident report whenever required. *** ### 7. Prohibited Uses Body-Worn Cameras shall **not** be used to record: * Personal or non-enforcement conversations between deputies or supervisors * Locker rooms, restrooms, or any location where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy unless directly related to a law enforcement action * Privileged communications, including attorney-client communications * Undercover operations unless specifically authorized by command staff *** ### 8. Data Management and Storage #### 8.1 Uploading Deputies shall upload all Body-Worn Camera recordings to the secure **BCSO Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS)** prior to the conclusion of their shift whenever feasible. Under exceptional circumstances, a supervisor may authorize a delayed upload. #### 8.2 File Naming and Classification All recordings shall be properly categorized using department-approved metadata, including: * Incident number * Event type * Involved parties * Deputy identification number #### 8.3 Retention Periods * Non-evidentiary recordings: Minimum of 180 days * Evidentiary recordings: Until final case disposition plus five years * Use-of-force or critical incident recordings: Minimum of 10 years * Internal Affairs investigations or citizen complaints: Until final resolution plus five years *** ### 9. Review and Access #### 9.1 Deputy Access Deputies may review their own Body-Worn Camera recordings before preparing reports, testimony, or participating in post-incident debriefings. #### 9.2 Supervisory Review Supervisors shall conduct periodic audits of Body-Worn Camera recordings to ensure policy compliance. Supervisors may review recordings involving: * Use of force * Vehicle pursuits * Citizen complaints * Training purposes * Performance evaluations #### 9.3 External Access Requests for Body-Worn Camera recordings shall be processed in accordance with applicable public records laws and BCSO records release policies. Recordings involving juveniles, victims of sexual offenses, protected medical information, or active criminal investigations shall only be released when authorized by legal counsel and approved by the **Sheriff** or their designee. *** ### 10. Chain of Custody and Security All Body-Worn Camera recordings are considered official **BCSO records.** The BCSO Digital Evidence Management System shall maintain detailed audit logs documenting all access, reviews, downloads, edits, and other activity involving recorded evidence. Unauthorized access, alteration, duplication, deletion, or distribution of Body-Worn Camera recordings is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution. *** ### 11. Disciplinary and Legal Considerations Failure to properly activate, deactivate, upload, or document Body-Worn Camera usage may result in an administrative investigation and disciplinary action. Intentional destruction, deletion, alteration, or unauthorized release of Body-Worn Camera recordings shall be considered gross misconduct and may result in termination and/or criminal prosecution. Deputies may also be subject to civil liability or criminal penalties for violations of this policy or applicable federal, state, or local law. *** ### 12. Supervisory Responsibilities Supervisors shall: * Ensure assigned personnel receive all required Body-Worn Camera training. * Ensure compliance with this policy. * Respond to and document equipment malfunctions. * Review Body-Worn Camera footage involving critical incidents within 24 hours whenever practical. * Approve or deny recording classification disputes and retention extension requests. *** ### 13. Training and Evaluation Deputies shall receive initial training and annual refresher training covering: * Proper operation of Body-Worn Cameras * Privacy laws and legal considerations * Evidence collection and handling * Report writing involving Body-Worn Camera evidence * Department policy compliance Compliance with this policy shall be evaluated through annual performance evaluations, field inspections, and supervisory audits. *** ### 14. Policy Review and Revisions This policy shall be reviewed at least annually by the **Office of the Sheriff** and **Internal Affairs**. Recommendations for policy 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 announced during roll-call briefings prior to implementation. *** *** --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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