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Questions and Answers
What date did the Bexar County Commissioner's Court pass the vote requiring the Sheriff's Office to adopt the Body Worn Camera policy?
What date did the Bexar County Commissioner's Court pass the vote requiring the Sheriff's Office to adopt the Body Worn Camera policy?
According to the policy, who is responsible for writing and maintaining the policies for their office in the State of Texas?
According to the policy, who is responsible for writing and maintaining the policies for their office in the State of Texas?
What is the primary purpose of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Body Worn Camera Program?
What is the primary purpose of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Body Worn Camera Program?
Which of the following was authorized by the Commissioner's Court on February 8, 2022?
Which of the following was authorized by the Commissioner's Court on February 8, 2022?
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What is the review date for this policy?
What is the review date for this policy?
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According to the policy, what is the status of recordings made by body-worn cameras and mobile recording systems?
According to the policy, what is the status of recordings made by body-worn cameras and mobile recording systems?
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What is the primary function of the 'buffering mode' on a body-worn camera?
What is the primary function of the 'buffering mode' on a body-worn camera?
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Under what circumstance is the use of body-worn cameras and mobile recording systems required, according to this policy?
Under what circumstance is the use of body-worn cameras and mobile recording systems required, according to this policy?
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According to the definitions, what does the term 'deactivation' refer to regarding body-worn cameras?
According to the definitions, what does the term 'deactivation' refer to regarding body-worn cameras?
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Besides documenting law enforcement encounters, what are the other purposes of recordings as outlined in this policy?
Besides documenting law enforcement encounters, what are the other purposes of recordings as outlined in this policy?
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Study Notes
Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual - Body Worn Camera Policy
- Effective Date: August 26, 2022
- Original Date: March 4, 2022
- Chapter Number: 44, Appendix A
- Office: Sheriff's Admin/Patrol/CID/SERT
- Subject: Bexar County Funded Body Worn Camera Critical Incident Video Release Policy
- References: Occupations Code §1701.661
- Distribution: All Sheriff's Employees
- Supersedes: Previous Policy
- Approved by: Javier Salazar, Bexar County Sheriff
- Review Date: January 1, 2024
- Pages: 4
Policy Purpose
- Bexar County Commissioners Court voted to require the Bexar County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies to adopt and abide by the policy.
- The policy governs the collection, storage, and release of body-worn camera (BWC) video evidence in criminal and administrative investigations.
- This policy aims to ensure the ability to preserve evidence for court and administrative proceedings.
- This policy relates to future funding, staffing, training, and technology upgrades for the BWC program.
Definitions
- Body Worn Camera (BWC): Authorized recording device issued by the Sheriff's Office.
- Private Space: A location where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., home).
- Recording: Video/audio file created from a BWC.
- Significant Events: Law enforcement encounters of significant public interest (excluding deputy shootings, force incidents, or deaths in custody).
BCSO Timeframes for Public Release of Video Evidence
- Significant Events: Video evidence released within 30 days of the event.
- Specific Events: Video evidence (deputy involved shootings, use of force, custodial deaths) released within 10 days of the event.
- Release of Video of Deceased Individuals: Requires written authorization from next of kin or authorized representative.
BCSO Specific Changes to Recommended County Policy
- Timeframes changed from 60 days to 10 days, contingent on staffing and technology upgrades.
- Domestic violence incidents may be withheld unless release serves a law enforcement purpose.
- Images of juveniles or personal information are not released unless permitted by law.
- Video evidence depicting private spaces will not be released.
Video Evidence Release Preparation
- BCSO prepares video evidence for public release within the indicated timeframe, accounting for staffing and technology.
- Public requests are equally considered.
- Notification to District Attorney, County Manager, and involved deputies no less than 24 hours prior.
Request for Attorney General Decision
- If the Sheriff determines video evidence should be withheld, the BCSO requests a Texas Attorney General decision via the Bexar County District Attorney.
- The decision from the Attorney General, not the District Attorney, determines if a delay in releasing the video evidence beyond 10 days is justified.
Delaying Release of Video Evidence
- Statutory discretion (for Sheriff) to delay release based on protecting individual safety, investigation integrity, confidential informants' identities, and constitutional rights.
- Reasons for delay are non-exhaustive.
Additional Information
- If the Attorney General withholds video evidence, it will be posted on the appropriate social media platform.
- Withheld video evidence will be reconsidered every 30 days.
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Description
This quiz covers the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Body Worn Camera Policy as outlined in Chapter 44, Appendix A of their manual. It emphasizes the guidelines regarding the collection, storage, and release of BWC video evidence, ensuring compliance with legal standards. Engage with key aspects of this policy to understand its implications for law enforcement practices.
