Body Worn Camera Systems Policy

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of this standard operating procedure?

To provide training for sworn law enforcement personnel

To establish guidelines and procedures for the use, maintenance, and storage of body worn camera systems (correct)

To establish guidelines for the maintenance of body worn cameras

To ensure transparency of law enforcement activity

Who does this procedure apply to?

All personnel at the Sheriff’s Office

Only civilians working at the Sheriff’s Office

All personnel utilizing or maintaining BWC systems or the data recorded by body cameras (correct)

Only sworn law enforcement personnel

What is one of the values of BWC recordings according to the Sheriff’s Office?

Reducing the need for law enforcement personnel

Gathering of evidence (correct)

Protecting sworn law enforcement personnel from true accusations

Decreasing transparency of law enforcement activity

What may not be captured by a body worn camera?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When may BWC recordings be considered?

During administrative and/or criminal review of events Signup and view all the answers

What Florida Statute does not apply to BWC recordings made by law enforcement agencies?

Florida Statute, Chapter 934 Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'Active Recording'?

A BWC mode where a BWC is recording a live audio and video feed Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of 'Automatic Activation'?

Bluetooth triggers that will activate a BWC without manual intervention Signup and view all the answers

What is Buffering Mode in a Body Worn Camera (BWC)?

A mode that is powered on but is not actively recording. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Category in a Body Worn Camera system?

A means of identifying and grouping similar types of BWC recordings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Compliance Review in a Body Worn Camera system?

A review of BWC recordings for functionality and appropriate categorization. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a BWC is deactivated?

The BWC goes back into Buffering Mode. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Docking Station in a Body Worn Camera system?

A device that uploads BWC recordings to a storage server. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Evidentiary Recording in a Body Worn Camera system?

A recording that may be used for investigative or evidentiary purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Manual Activation in a Body Worn Camera system?

When sworn personnel activate the BWC recording function. Signup and view all the answers

What is Metadata in a Body Worn Camera system?

Information about the BWC recording, such as date and time. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mute Mode in a Body Worn Camera system?

A mode that disables audio recording while video recording continues. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Official Law Enforcement Activity?

Any event where sworn law enforcement personnel, acting in their official capacity, come into contact with a member of the general public. Signup and view all the answers

When are sworn personnel allowed to power off their BWC?

At a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy and not involved in official law enforcement activity Signup and view all the answers

When should sworn personnel manually activate their BWC?

During official law enforcement activities Signup and view all the answers

Why might sworn personnel activate their BWC in mute mode?

During conversations with supervisors or other sworn personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should sworn personnel do if their BWC fails to activate or record an entire event?

Contact their direct supervisor as soon as practical Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may sworn personnel inform subjects that they are being recorded?

During official law enforcement activities, if it would help to diffuse a situation Signup and view all the answers

What should sworn personnel do if they fail to activate their BWC or fail to record an entire event?

Notify their supervisor as soon as practical Signup and view all the answers

What should sworn personnel do if they believe a recording has captured misconduct or criminal activity?

Notify their supervisor Signup and view all the answers

When should sworn personnel ensure their BWC is in buffering mode?

While on duty Signup and view all the answers

What is not a permitted use of a BWC?

To knowingly capture privileged communications Signup and view all the answers

Why might automatic activation triggers serve as a backup?

When manual activation is not feasible Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Q.Watch Me feature in Axon Body 4?

To allow bi-directional communication for BWC users with authorized personnel Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for determining if their actions involve official law enforcement activity?

Sworn personnel using their training, experience, and circumstances Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following personnel are not required to wear their BWC while on duty?

Detectives conducting interviews Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for sworn personnel regarding the operation of their BWC during a shift or assignment?

To keep the BWC powered on in buffering mode Signup and view all the answers

What should sworn personnel do if they determine their BWC is damaged or not operating correctly?

Notify their direct supervisor and arrange for a replacement device Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for detectives regarding the wear of their BWC while wearing their tactical exterior vest?

They have the discretion to wear their BWC Signup and view all the answers

What type of mount is required for sworn personnel wearing a Class A, Class B, Street Crimes uniform, or training uniform?

Wing-clip mount Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the operational checks for sworn personnel at the start of each shift or assignment?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for training personnel regarding the operation of the BWC equipment and Sheriff's Office policies and procedures?

All personnel who wear, use, maintain, or store BWCs Signup and view all the answers

What should sworn personnel do if they need assistance in attempting to recover lost data from their BWC?

Contact the BWCSA Signup and view all the answers

Who reviews and redacts the BWC recording prior to release?

The Public Affairs Office Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Public Affairs Office reviewing and redacting the BWC recording?

To satisfy media interest in a timely manner Signup and view all the answers

Who may access a BWC recording of their direct subordinate?

Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Training Division accessing BWC recordings?

Providing training to personnel Signup and view all the answers

How long are BWC recordings of non-evidentiary events retained?

90 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the BWCSA periodically auditing stored BWC recordings?

To ensure legitimate access for investigative purposes Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can a BWC be livestreamed?

Upon approval from a Shift Commander or higher authority Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a BWC recording after 90 days if it is not related to an investigation?

It is deleted Signup and view all the answers

Who may categorize a BWC recording as 'Private'?

Sworn personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the BWC recording being designated as 'Restricted'?

To ensure no unauthorized viewing Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of days a personnel must be on leave or in 'Other Than Full Duty' status to be eligible for an exception to the number of video reviews?

14 days Signup and view all the answers

What type of incidents require supervisors to review BWC recordings?

Injury to Sheriff’s Office personnel, suspect, citizen, etc. Signup and view all the answers

Why should supervisors not view BWC recordings?

To search for violations of Sheriff’s Office policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Professional Standards Bureau reviewing BWC recordings?

To conduct periodic reviews of BWC recordings Signup and view all the answers

How should requests for BWC recordings from the Office of the State Attorney be processed?

Through the Sheriff’s Office Records Section via GovQA Signup and view all the answers

Who should sworn personnel forward requests for BWC recordings from outside agencies to?

The BWC Unit via email Signup and view all the answers

What should supervisors do to ensure the BWC system is functional?

Conduct physical inspections of the BWC system Signup and view all the answers

How should public records requests for BWC recordings be coordinated?

Through the Sheriff’s Office Records Section via GovQA Signup and view all the answers

Who reviews and redacts BWC recordings for public records requests?

The BWC Unit Signup and view all the answers

Where should news media requests for BWC recordings be sent?

The Public Affairs Office Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an administrative interview conducted by a supervisor in a Sheriff's Office?

To address a variety of incidents and incidents, including citizen complaints and use of force incidents Signup and view all the answers

When can sworn personnel deactivate the recording capability of a BWC?

Under specific circumstances discussed in the section Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of sworn personnel regarding BWC recordings?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should sworn personnel do if their BWC is not charging or uploading correctly?

Notify their direct supervisor and arrange for a replacement device Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included in the categorization of BWC recordings?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the RMS integration?

To automatically obtain CAD information and categorize BWC recordings Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for correcting the categorization of BWC recordings if automated tagging does not work?

Sworn personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should sworn personnel do if their Signal Sidearm is damaged or not properly activating their BWC?

Notify their direct supervisor and arrange for a replacement device Signup and view all the answers

What is required for sworn personnel to upload recordings to the Digital Evidence Management System?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should sworn personnel do if their vehicle is not properly activating their BWC?

Notify their direct supervisor and arrange for the Fleet Operations Section to service their vehicle Signup and view all the answers

When are sworn personnel authorized to record inside a courtroom?

When handling an official law enforcement matter and assigned to the Court Services Bureau Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason sworn personnel should avoid recording law enforcement sensitive tactics?

To avoid jeopardizing the safety of personnel and citizens during future operations Signup and view all the answers

When can sworn personnel cease recording prior to clearing the call?

When there is a reasonable belief that the remainder of the event will result in a non-evidentiary recording Signup and view all the answers

In what situation may a sworn personnel manually deactivate their BWC recording?

When directing traffic Signup and view all the answers

Who can request to cease recording by a sworn personnel?

A citizen with apparent authority who has a reasonable expectation of privacy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a BWC?

To record citizen encounters related to official duties Signup and view all the answers

When can sworn personnel record inside a facility owned by the local, state, or federal government?

When they are engaged in an official law enforcement activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of supervisory approval to discontinue active BWC recording?

To permit sworn personnel to cease recording in specific situations Signup and view all the answers

Why may sworn personnel need to deactivate their BWC recording when interviewing a witness or suspect?

Because the witness or suspect refuses to speak while the BWC is recording Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of recording law enforcement activities using a BWC?

To capture evidence and document citizen encounters related to official duties Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of sworn personnel regarding the BWC category?

To ensure the BWC category is accurate and the recording is properly categorized during their next shift or assignment Signup and view all the answers

When is a property report for the BWC recording required?

When a custodial arrest or a criminal citation is made Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Confidential' classification tag?

To maintain the confidentiality of undercover sworn personnel and/or confidential sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the BWCSA regarding the Digital Evidence Management System?

To manage the Digital Evidence Management System and ensure that data is retained in accordance with record retention laws Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the monthly Compliance Review performed by supervisors?

To ensure that the BWC is operated in accordance with established Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of sworn personnel regarding BWC recordings and court testimony?

To review BWC recordings to prepare for court testimony Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the BWCSA in facilitating public records requests?

To facilitate obtaining, reviewing, sharing, and redacting for fulfillment of public records requests Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the BWCSA's periodic audit of stored BWC recordings?

To ensure that they are being appropriately retained and that only authorized users are accessing the data for legitimate purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the BWCSA in facilitating evidentiary requests?

To facilitate obtaining, reviewing, sharing, and redacting for fulfillment of evidentiary requests Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of supervisors regarding BWC videos?

To perform a monthly Compliance Review of one BWC video for all sworn personnel assigned to their squad Signup and view all the answers

A BWC recording may be categorized into more than one category.

True Signup and view all the answers

A BWC in Buffering Mode is actively recording audio and video data.

False Signup and view all the answers

Metadata includes information such as the date and time a recording was captured.

True Signup and view all the answers

Mute Mode disables both audio and video recording.

False Signup and view all the answers

Official Law Enforcement Activity includes casual interactions with the public, such as exchanging pleasantries.

False Signup and view all the answers

Non-Evidentiary Recordings are always retained for the same period as Evidentiary Recordings.

False Signup and view all the answers

A Compliance Review involves a supervisor reviewing BWC recordings for functionality and categorization.

True Signup and view all the answers

Deactivating a BWC deletes the recording.

False Signup and view all the answers

A Docking Station is used to upload recordings to a storage server.

True Signup and view all the answers

Evidentiary Recordings are stored in a cloud-based storage server.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring the citizens of Hillsborough County receive the best possible law enforcement service and protection.

True Signup and view all the answers

BWC recordings are only used for training and transparency of law enforcement activity.

False Signup and view all the answers

A BWC can capture everything sworn personnel see, hear, or sense, or what their knowledge and experience convey to them.

False Signup and view all the answers

Florida Statute, Chapter 934, applies to BWC recordings made by law enforcement agencies that elect to use body cameras.

False Signup and view all the answers

BWC recordings may be used as standalone evidence in administrative and/or criminal review of events.

False Signup and view all the answers

Active Recording is a BWC mode where a BWC is not recording a live audio and video feed.

False Signup and view all the answers

Automatic Activation triggers are limited to vehicle triggers only.

False Signup and view all the answers

BWC systems are assigned to all Sheriff’s Office personnel.

False Signup and view all the answers

All personnel assigned to a specialty team are required to wear their BWC at all times when acting as a member of the team.

False Signup and view all the answers

Detectives are required to wear their BWC while conducting an interview.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are required to notify their direct supervisor immediately if their BWC is damaged or not operating correctly.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are required to wear their BWC at all times while on-duty or off-duty.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Q.Watch Me feature in Axon Body 4 is a one-way communication system.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are required to ensure their BWC is in buffering mode at the start of each shift or assignment.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are not required to wear their BWC while participating in agency-approved training.

True Signup and view all the answers

Detectives are required to wear their BWC while at an active crime scene.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are permitted to power off their BWC inside any facility owned by the local, state, or federal government.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are required to wear a specific type of mount while wearing a Class A, Class B, Street Crimes uniform, or training uniform.

True Signup and view all the answers

Automatic activation triggers can replace manual activation in all circumstances.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel can inform subjects when they are being recorded during an official law enforcement activity only if the subject's consent is required.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are required to receive training regarding the operation of the BWC equipment and Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel should immediately notify their direct supervisor if they fail to activate their BWC or fail to record an entire event.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel can use their BWC to record privileged communications, such as attorney/client or doctor/patient conversations.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel should annotate the reason for utilizing the mute feature prior to placing their BWC in mute mode.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel can turn off their BWC when they are inside their personal residence.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel should activate their BWC during official law enforcement activities, such as when interacting with the public.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel should ensure their BWC remains in buffering mode only when they are involved in official law enforcement activities.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel who fail to activate their BWC or fail to record an entire event should destroy the recording.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel should manually activate their BWC during an official law enforcement activity.

True Signup and view all the answers

The BWCSA is responsible for ensuring that all BWC recordings are properly categorized.

False Signup and view all the answers

Supervisors will perform a quarterly Compliance Review of all BWC videos for all sworn personnel assigned to their squad.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel who originate a General Offense Report or Street Check shall indicate in their report that there are no BWC recordings related to the event.

False Signup and view all the answers

The BWCSA is responsible for maintaining a centrally managed account inventory of BWC equipment and software.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are not permitted to review BWC recordings before writing a report or providing a statement regarding any event arising within the scope of their official duties.

False Signup and view all the answers

The BWCSA facilitates obtaining, reviewing, sharing, and redacting for fulfillment of public records requests.

True Signup and view all the answers

Supervisors will review all BWC recordings for all sworn personnel assigned to their squad during the Compliance Review.

False Signup and view all the answers

The BWCSA audits stored BWC recordings to ensure that they are being appropriately retained and that only authorized users are accessing the data for legitimate purposes.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel whose BWC captures video of undercover sworn personnel and/or confidential sources are not responsible for ensuring that the classification tag “Confidential” is used.

False Signup and view all the answers

Supervisors may request an exception to the number of video reviews that must be completed monthly if their personnel are on a leave of absence for a period of 7 days or longer.

False Signup and view all the answers

Supervisors are required to conduct video reviews related to personnel who are on a leave of absence or in an 'Other Than Full Duty' status.

False Signup and view all the answers

Supervisors may review BWC recordings for the sole purpose of searching for violations of Sheriff's Office policy not related to a specific complaint or incident.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Professional Standards Bureau does not conduct periodic reviews of BWC recordings.

False Signup and view all the answers

Requests for BWC recordings from the Office of the State Attorney are processed through the Sheriff's Office Records Section via email.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel may release BWC recordings directly to the public.

False Signup and view all the answers

News media requests for BWC recordings are accepted by the Sheriff's Office Public Affairs Office.

True Signup and view all the answers

The BWC Unit does not obtain and review BWC recordings for public records requests.

False Signup and view all the answers

Supervisors have 30 days to review BWC recordings of all sworn personnel involved in certain incidents.

False Signup and view all the answers

Supervisors are not required to physically inspect the BWC system to ensure it is functional and operating normally.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are authorized to record inside a courtroom without handling an official law enforcement matter.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel may record a conversation of other law enforcement personnel or Sheriff's Office employee without their knowledge or not related to an official law enforcement activity.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are allowed to record undercover law enforcement officers or confidential informants.

False Signup and view all the answers

A BWC recording can be deactivated if a citizen in a situation where a citizen has a reasonable expectation of privacy requests to cease recording.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are not allowed to record any personal activity or personal conversation not related to an official law enforcement activity.

True Signup and view all the answers

A BWC recording can be deactivated if there is a reasonable belief that the remainder of the event will result in a non-evidentiary recording.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are allowed to record court-related matters including conversations with attorneys, pre-filing conferences, depositions, trial preparation, or any activity within a courtroom.

False Signup and view all the answers

A BWC recording can be deactivated when sworn personnel are engaged in, or about to engage in, an action related to confidential investigative techniques or other confidential information.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are allowed to record any conversation or activity while inside a facility owned by the local, state, or federal government, including law enforcement facilities, or a hospital/medical facility.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are allowed to record law enforcement sensitive tactics or discussions.

False Signup and view all the answers

Supervisors must review BWC recordings of Takedown incidents.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel can upload recordings at any location with a internet connection.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are responsible for documenting their actions in an email to the Sheriff's Office BWC email address when they receive a replacement BWC.

True Signup and view all the answers

The BWC will automatically establish an encrypted connection to upload recordings when placed in an agency-issued docking station.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel can only use Sheriff's Office approved equipment and methods to charge and review BWC recordings.

True Signup and view all the answers

RMS integration will automatically categorize most BWC recordings.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel are responsible for confirming that all BWC recordings include necessary data, such as their name, date and time, and call number.

True Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel can manually activate their BWC when they determine it is not charging or uploading correctly.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel who drive their Sheriff's Office issued vehicle home after their shift are required to charge their BWC at the district office.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel must review BWC recordings and ensure that they are assigned to the correct category in the Digital Evidence Management System.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Public Affairs Office may request the assistance of the Legal Division for redaction of BWC recordings.

True Signup and view all the answers

A supervisor can access a BWC recording of their direct subordinate only for the purpose of an administrative investigation.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Professional Standards Bureau may access and utilize BWC recordings for training purposes.

False Signup and view all the answers

BWC recordings related to a criminal investigation are retained for 90 days.

False Signup and view all the answers

The BWCSA periodically audits stored BWC recordings to ensure they are being appropriately retained and only authorized users are accessing the data for legitimate purposes.

True Signup and view all the answers

Livestreaming of a BWC is authorized under any circumstance.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Training Division may access and utilize BWC recordings for training purposes at any time.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sheriff's Office personnel may retain, copy, record, photograph, share, distribute, publish, tamper, alter, or delete a BWC recording without authorization.

False Signup and view all the answers

BWC recordings of non-evidentiary events are retained for a minimum of one year.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel may categorize a BWC recording as 'Private' without notifying their supervisor.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Body Worn Camera (BWC) System

Purpose and Scope

Establish guidelines for the use, maintenance, and storage of BWC systems and data recorded by body cameras
Applies to all Sheriff's Office personnel utilizing or maintaining BWC systems or data recorded by body cameras

Definitions

Active Recording: live audio and video feed
Automatic Activation: triggers that activate BWC without manual intervention (e.g., vehicle triggers, signal sidearm, CEW triggers)
Body Worn Camera (BWC): portable electronic recording system worn by personnel
Body Worn Camera System Administrator (BWCSA): designated personnel with administrator rights and responsibilities
Buffering Mode (Standby): BWC mode that is powered on but not actively recording
Category: identifying and grouping similar types of BWC recordings (e.g., Alarm Call, DUI, Injury in the Line of Duty)

Procedures

Training

All personnel using, maintaining, storing, or releasing BWC recordings shall receive training on operation and policies

Operation and Use

All assigned sworn personnel shall wear their BWC while working on-duty or off-duty
Sworn personnel operating a Sheriff's Office vehicle must wear their BWC in buffering mode
Detectives have discretion to not wear their BWC in certain situations

Operational Checks

Sworn personnel shall ensure BWC is receiving power, functioning properly, and ready status light is on
Damaged or non-operational BWCs shall be reported to the supervisor and replaced

Activations

BWC shall be powered on in buffering mode during each shift or assignment
Sworn personnel shall manually activate recording prior to arrival at a call or start of official law enforcement activity
Automatic activation triggers serve as backup only when manual activation is not possible

Deactivations

Sworn personnel may cease recording under certain circumstances, including:
- Reasonable belief that the remainder of the event will result in a non-evidentiary recording
- Request to cease recording by a citizen with apparent authority and reasonable expectation of privacy
- Request to cease recording from an adult victim of a sexual offense
- Supervisory approval to discontinue active BWC recording

Docking, Maintenance, and Video Review

Sworn personnel shall use Sheriff's Office owned or approved equipment to charge BWCs, upload recordings, and review recordings
BWCs shall be placed in an agency-issued docking station at the end of each shift or assignment to charge the device and upload recordings### Body Worn Camera System (BWCS)
Sworn personnel are responsible for ensuring their BWC is properly activated and functioning during official law enforcement activities.
Sworn personnel shall notify their direct supervisor immediately if their BWC is damaged or not properly activating.
Sworn personnel who have a vehicle that automatically signals the activation of a BWC shall notify their direct supervisor if the vehicle is not properly activating the BWC.

Documentation and Review

Records Management System (RMS) integration should automatically obtain CAD information to categorize most BWC recordings.
Sworn personnel are responsible for confirming that all BWC recordings include necessary data, such as name, date and time, call number, and final call type.
Sworn personnel shall ensure the BWC category is accurate and the recording is properly categorized during their next shift or assignment.
Sworn personnel who capture video of undercover sworn personnel and/or confidential sources shall use the classification tag "Confidential" and add a note describing why the video has been labeled confidential.

Report Writing

Sworn personnel who originate a General Offense Report or Street Check shall indicate in their report if there are BWC recordings related to the event.
In circumstances involving a custodial arrest or a criminal citation, the report initiator or person effecting the custodial arrest shall complete a property report for the BWC recording.

Body Worn Camera System Administrator Responsibilities

The BWCSA is responsible for maintaining a centrally managed account inventory of BWC equipment and conducting inspections as needed.
The BWCSA shall facilitate or arrange repairs of BWC equipment and software, and maintain all related records.
The BWCSA shall manage the Digital Evidence Management System and ensure that data is retained in accordance with record retention laws.

Supervisor and Professional Standards Bureau Responsibilities

Supervisors shall perform a monthly Compliance Review of one BWC video for all sworn personnel assigned to their squad.
Supervisors shall review BWC recordings of all sworn personnel involved in incidents such as injury, discharge of firearm, vehicle pursuits, and citizen complaints.
The Professional Standards Bureau shall conduct periodic reviews of BWC recordings through the Digital Evidence Management System.

Release and Access to BWC Recordings

Evidence Sharing with the Office of the State Attorney: all requests for BWC recordings from the Office of the State Attorney shall be processed through the Office of the State Attorney Evidence Management & Trial Support Department.
Public Records Requests: public records requests for BWC recordings will be coordinated by the Sheriff's Office Records Section via GovQA and referred to the BWC Unit.
News Media Requests: news media requests for BWC recordings will be accepted by the Sheriff's Office Records Section and referred to the Sheriff's Office Public Affairs Office.

Storage and Retention

BWC recordings of Official Law Enforcement Activity shall be retained according to the guidelines established in the Florida Law Enforcement General Records Schedule and/or Florida Statutes.
BWC recordings related to a criminal investigation shall be treated as evidence and processed in accordance with Sheriff's Office policies.

Livestreaming

Livestreaming of a BWC is authorized under specific circumstances, including approval from a Shift Commander or higher ranking authority, emergency status, significant collision, critical incident, or serious injury.
The "Watch Me" feature may be used during foot pursuits, potentially violent subject encounters, critical incidents, or serious injury.

Body Worn Camera (BWC) System

Purpose and Scope

Establish guidelines for the use, maintenance, and storage of BWC systems and data recorded by body cameras
Applies to all Sheriff's Office personnel utilizing or maintaining BWC systems or data recorded by body cameras

Definitions

Active Recording: live audio and video feed
Automatic Activation: triggers that activate BWC without manual intervention (e.g., vehicle triggers, signal sidearm, CEW triggers)
Body Worn Camera (BWC): portable electronic recording system worn by personnel
Body Worn Camera System Administrator (BWCSA): designated personnel with administrator rights and responsibilities
Buffering Mode (Standby): BWC mode that is powered on but not actively recording
Category: identifying and grouping similar types of BWC recordings (e.g., Alarm Call, DUI, Injury in the Line of Duty)

Procedures

Training

All personnel using, maintaining, storing, or releasing BWC recordings shall receive training on operation and policies

Operation and Use

All assigned sworn personnel shall wear their BWC while working on-duty or off-duty
Sworn personnel operating a Sheriff's Office vehicle must wear their BWC in buffering mode
Detectives have discretion to not wear their BWC in certain situations

Operational Checks

Sworn personnel shall ensure BWC is receiving power, functioning properly, and ready status light is on
Damaged or non-operational BWCs shall be reported to the supervisor and replaced

Activations

BWC shall be powered on in buffering mode during each shift or assignment
Sworn personnel shall manually activate recording prior to arrival at a call or start of official law enforcement activity
Automatic activation triggers serve as backup only when manual activation is not possible

Deactivations

Sworn personnel may cease recording under certain circumstances, including:
- Reasonable belief that the remainder of the event will result in a non-evidentiary recording
- Request to cease recording by a citizen with apparent authority and reasonable expectation of privacy
- Request to cease recording from an adult victim of a sexual offense
- Supervisory approval to discontinue active BWC recording

Docking, Maintenance, and Video Review

Sworn personnel shall use Sheriff's Office owned or approved equipment to charge BWCs, upload recordings, and review recordings
BWCs shall be placed in an agency-issued docking station at the end of each shift or assignment to charge the device and upload recordings### Body Worn Camera System (BWCS)
Sworn personnel are responsible for ensuring their BWC is properly activated and functioning during official law enforcement activities.
Sworn personnel shall notify their direct supervisor immediately if their BWC is damaged or not properly activating.
Sworn personnel who have a vehicle that automatically signals the activation of a BWC shall notify their direct supervisor if the vehicle is not properly activating the BWC.

Documentation and Review

Records Management System (RMS) integration should automatically obtain CAD information to categorize most BWC recordings.
Sworn personnel are responsible for confirming that all BWC recordings include necessary data, such as name, date and time, call number, and final call type.
Sworn personnel shall ensure the BWC category is accurate and the recording is properly categorized during their next shift or assignment.
Sworn personnel who capture video of undercover sworn personnel and/or confidential sources shall use the classification tag "Confidential" and add a note describing why the video has been labeled confidential.

Report Writing

Sworn personnel who originate a General Offense Report or Street Check shall indicate in their report if there are BWC recordings related to the event.
In circumstances involving a custodial arrest or a criminal citation, the report initiator or person effecting the custodial arrest shall complete a property report for the BWC recording.

Body Worn Camera System Administrator Responsibilities

The BWCSA is responsible for maintaining a centrally managed account inventory of BWC equipment and conducting inspections as needed.
The BWCSA shall facilitate or arrange repairs of BWC equipment and software, and maintain all related records.
The BWCSA shall manage the Digital Evidence Management System and ensure that data is retained in accordance with record retention laws.

Supervisor and Professional Standards Bureau Responsibilities

Supervisors shall perform a monthly Compliance Review of one BWC video for all sworn personnel assigned to their squad.
Supervisors shall review BWC recordings of all sworn personnel involved in incidents such as injury, discharge of firearm, vehicle pursuits, and citizen complaints.
The Professional Standards Bureau shall conduct periodic reviews of BWC recordings through the Digital Evidence Management System.

Release and Access to BWC Recordings

Evidence Sharing with the Office of the State Attorney: all requests for BWC recordings from the Office of the State Attorney shall be processed through the Office of the State Attorney Evidence Management & Trial Support Department.
Public Records Requests: public records requests for BWC recordings will be coordinated by the Sheriff's Office Records Section via GovQA and referred to the BWC Unit.
News Media Requests: news media requests for BWC recordings will be accepted by the Sheriff's Office Records Section and referred to the Sheriff's Office Public Affairs Office.

Storage and Retention

BWC recordings of Official Law Enforcement Activity shall be retained according to the guidelines established in the Florida Law Enforcement General Records Schedule and/or Florida Statutes.
BWC recordings related to a criminal investigation shall be treated as evidence and processed in accordance with Sheriff's Office policies.

Livestreaming

Livestreaming of a BWC is authorized under specific circumstances, including approval from a Shift Commander or higher ranking authority, emergency status, significant collision, critical incident, or serious injury.
The "Watch Me" feature may be used during foot pursuits, potentially violent subject encounters, critical incidents, or serious injury.

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Description

This quiz covers the guidelines and procedures for the use, maintenance, and storage of Body Worn Camera (BWC) systems and data, in accordance with Florida Statute 943.1718.