BWV Pre-Activation Buffer Best Practices.pdf

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE NOTICE 1.1 July ]. , 2020 TO: All Department Personnel FROM: Chief of Police SUBJECT: BODY WORN VIDEO PRE-ACTIVATION BUFFER BEST PRACTICE During a review of recent critical incidents, including Categorical Uses of Force, an officer's Body Worn Video(BWV)recording...

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE NOTICE 1.1 July ]. , 2020 TO: All Department Personnel FROM: Chief of Police SUBJECT: BODY WORN VIDEO PRE-ACTIVATION BUFFER BEST PRACTICE During a review of recent critical incidents, including Categorical Uses of Force, an officer's Body Worn Video(BWV)recording, particularly the two-minute pre-activation buffer, was often pivotal in highlighting attempts at de-escalation and ultimately played a crucial role in the final adjudication of an incident. As directed in the Office of Constitutional Policing and Policy Notice, Powering OffBody-Worn Camera Devices While in Department Facilities, dated December 20,2018, officers shall have their BWV cameras powered on and ready to activate at all times when deployed to the field. Officers shall also have their BWV cameras powered on and ready to activate while in a Department facility and likely to become engaged in an enforcement or investigative activity involving a member of the public. Note: Due to the dynamic nature of each contact, officers shall keep their BWV cameras powered-on and ready to activate while interacting with an arrestee or any member ofthe public inside of a Department facility. Although certain scenarios allow for the powering-off of a BWV camera, officers are encouraged to form a habit of leaving their BWV device powered-on throughout their shift. The benefits of the two-minute pre-activation buffer far outweigh the negatives, such as the unintentional recording of potentially sensitive information situations. Note: Officers are reminded that the two-minute pre-activation buffer only captures video and that audio is not recorded until the BWV device is activated. Officers are also reminded that there is a process in place to redact and restrict access to portions ofany BWV recording that captures sensitive/personal information (i.e. an officer in a restroom or locker room). If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact the Evaluation and Administration Section, Office of Operations, at(213)486-6050. MICI L~ .MOORS Chief o olice DISTRIBUTION "D"