Policy Text
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SHERIFF JERRY L. DEMINGS
July 20, 2015
Sheriff Jerry L. Demings
Orange County Sheriff's Office
2500 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, Florida 32804
Dear Sheriff Demings:
On March 3, 2015, you charged your Citizens Advisory Committee with reviewing the Orange County
Sheriff's Office's (OCSO) proposed policy on the use of body-worn cameras. Specifically, to identify
recommendations for an Orange County policy that includes best practices from law enforcement
agencies around the nation. You directed the committee to submit recommendations based on the review
of in-depth research on model policies, technology, equipment and pertinent legal developments.
The following is a brief summary of the process the committee used to identify its recommendations: The
committee met seven (7) times for presentations and discussions with OCSO staff. Presentations included
the Uniform Patrol Division and Dr. Pamela McCauley, Professor at the University of Central Florida
serving as the OCSO facilitator to review the technical aspects of the body-worn cameras. Citizens of
Orange County were allowed to present their views and thoughts through the public comments at the
meetings. The committee also provided responses to their questions regarding body-worn cameras.
Listed below are several documents reviewed during the process.
•
OCSO draft policy
.
•
PERF on-line study
BWC related articles
OCSO BWC footage from Sector II and Sector III
•
OCSO BWC analytical reports
•
Community Concerns Survey results
• Testing and Evaluation Phase report and results
After a thorough review and many hours of independent study the Sheriff's Citizens Advisory Committee
voted unanimously to recommend the following be considered as you finalize the BWC policy:
Citizens Advisory Committee Recommendation Letter
July 20, 2015
Page 2
Recommendation number 1:
Section (4)(A)(2) - Add language to the General Order prohibiting the use of personally owned equipment
to view, record, download, or display video from agency BWC's.
Recommendation number 2:
Section (4)(A)(3) - Add language to the General Order stating deputies shall download their cameras at
agency-approved locations.
Recommendation number 3:
Section (4)(A)(4)(b) - Change the current General Order language to state deputies are permitted and
encouraged to review the video recording as part of a thorough investigation when writing a report
Recommendation number 4:
Section (4)(B) Add language to the General Order prohibiting deputies from attempting to service or
make repairs to BWC systems.
Recommendation number 5:
Section (4)(B)(2) - Add "BWC coordinator" to the malfunction reporting requirement.
Recommendation number 6:
Section (4)(B) - Add language to the General Order indicating the BWC Coordinator shall maintain the
maintenance log of all BWC systems.
Recommendation number 7:
Request to authorize the committee to continue the review of changes to the policy as it continues to
evolve after the testing and evaluation phase is completed, the RFP is submitted, and the final product is
purchased.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melenda Pre
Melinda Poole, Chair
OCSO Citizens Advisory Committee
Cc: Committee members
Captain Joe Carter