2224302

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: July 16, 2024  Amends - GO 15.1.9 ( March 31, 2021 ) Number: 15.1.9 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: November Reviewing Authority: Sheriff / Legal Services Subject: Release of Video Recordings in Critical Incidents This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the release of video recording s related to critical incidents. 2. Policy It is the policy of the agency that transparency is critical to maintain accountability and enhance trust between the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the public. The agency’s commitment to transparency shall be pursued without compr omising ongoing investigations, privacy concerns or applicable federal, state, and local laws. 3. Definitions A. Critical Incident – Deputy involved shootings, any in -custody death and any other incident where the Sheriff determines that release of video recordings is required to promote transparency. B. Video Recordings – Video recordings include, body -worn camera video and digital in-car video , and any other agency owned video recording system . 4. Procedures A. When members of the agency are involved in a critical incident that is being investigated by an outside agency , such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, related body worn camera video shall be released upon notification from the outside entity that all initial interviews are c omplete. The public release of the video recordings in these circumstances shall occur no more than 30 days after the date of the incident, unless the Sheriff or Sheriff’s designee determines there are extraordinary circumstances which dictate that the re lease of the video be delayed. If a video cannot be released within 30 days, the reason for the delay will be disclosed. B. Records released pursuant to this policy are subject to the restrictions found established in FS 119 “Public Records,” and section 2 4 Article I, of the Florida Constitution in accordance with GO 15.1.8 . 15.1.9, Page 2 of 2 NOTE : When the Records Section is notified by the Strategic Communications Section Commander or designee, the redaction review process will begin promptly in accordance with Public Records law and this G O. C. Notifications 1. When possible , the following parties will be notified and given an opportunity to review the video recordings prior to release: a. The Strategic Communications Section Commander, or designee, shall notify the applicable Division Commander (s) of deputies depicted in the video recordings that will be released, who shall facilitate notifications to the deputy. b. The Criminal Investigations Division Commander , or designee, shall notify the individual that was subjected to law enforcement action. Notification will occur by either: 1. The legal counsel rep resenting the subject that is involved in the critical incident, or; 2. If the subject is deceased then the next of kin shall be notified , or; 3. If the subject is a juvenile their parent or legal guardian shall be notified . c. The Undersheriff, or designee, shall notify o ther official agencies involved in the incident , including the investigating authority . 2. When there are exigent circumstances , the Sheriff may approve the release without any of the above -referenced notifications. D. Waiver The release of any video recording in any specific case does not waive the agency’s right to withhold records in the same case or any other case a s permitted by law and this policy does not create any third party right with regard to the release of any video recording in possession of the agency.