While the BWC Policy Development section objectives do not need to be directly addressed in the BWC policy, this is a critical piece of a well-developed, sound, and comprehensive policy. As such, examples of how BWC TTA grantees have addressed these objectives are provided below.
Were internal agency perspectives involved in policy development (i.e., officers, unions, supervisors, IT/Records)?
Sample Policy 1: A working group of officers, supervisors, union officials, and other key department entities were involved during policy development.
Sample Policy 2: The agency established a program working group to implement the BWC program. This group consisted of the two administrative captains, an administrative lieutenant, the city attorney, and two union executive board members (one patrol and one investigative).
Were external criminal justice/local stakeholders made aware of your decision to deploy BWCs (i.e., prosecutors, defense attorneys, etc.)?
Sample Policy 1: The department advised the City Attorney's office of the intent to deploy BWCs. The City Attorney’s Office provided input on the policy development. Defense attorneys were made aware of the deployment through press releases.
Sample Policy 2: The decision to deploy BWC's was discussed in countywide Chief's meetings, County Commanders Meetings, and the prosecutor's office meetings. The agency continues to meet with these stakeholders as they look to enhance the current program.
Were community and advocacy groups made aware of your decision to deploy BWCs?
Sample Policy 1: The deployment of BWCs was made very public with multiple media releases. Multiple community listening/input sessions were held prior to deployment. Meetings were held with numerous advocacy groups such as the ACLU and Communities Against Police Brutality.
Sample Policy 2: The BWC policy was developed several years ago. Initially, there weren't very many community groups involved in the policy development. They did, however, have the support of the Neighborhood Watch Association's president, the Police Officers Association, the Attorney's Office and the District Attorney's Office. Later as the program progressed, the BWC Unit Supervisor met and continues to meet with community groups such as the Mayor's Citizen's Advisory Group and provides training and information sharing on our BWC policy and program. The Statewide Legal Group was also involved in the BWC policy development.
Did you confirm whether your state mandates a specific BWC policy or elements of BWC policy?
Sample Policy 1: This policy will be reviewed annually as necessary to ensure that the policy is in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws; CALEA standards; and court rulings, and that it meets the needs of the Sheriff’s Office.
Sample Policy 2: The department is mandated by state law and standards to comply with its provisions. Additionally, the department must report its program status and compliance to the Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
Sample Policy 3: See the MN State statute at the following link: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/626.8473
