doc_1835971

WINDERMERE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: September 22, 2022  Rescinds Amends 17.2 (July 7, 2017 ) Number: 17.2 SUBJECT: On -Body Recording Systems (OBRS) Print Date: 09/22/22 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: September This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose Establish a policy regarding the use of On -Body Recording Systems (OBRS) by members of the police department, and the storage, release, and retention of OBRS audio/video (A/V) files maintained in department approved storage devices. 2. Policy The Winderm ere Police Department is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all people. In pursuit of our mission, we recognize the benefit of employing equipment and technology that will assist us in our ethical, legal and moral obligation to identify, collect and preserve the very best evidence. As such, we have chosen to implement the use of OBRS as a means of attaining this goal. We believe the implementation of OBRS will significantly assist our agency in obtaining a higher degree of transparency and enhanced accountability to the community we serve and protect. 3. Definitions A. Audio/Video Files (A/V) – Refers to the audio and/or video digital recordings taken as a result of the activation of the OBRS. 17.2, Page 2 B. Buffering – A thirty second period precedin g the officer’s manual activation of an OBRS. C. EVIDENCE.com™ – An online cloud -based storage platform that stores digital audio/video recordings in a secure and encrypted manner. It provides a frontend portal to manage data, share data, and appropriately document recordings. D. On-Body Recording Systems Coordinator – The individual appointed by the Chief of Police to serve as the administrator of the On -body Recording System, and who is responsible for the oversight, maintenance, management and training of the OBRS. This individual serves as a liaison t o the Office of the State Attorney for related evidence from these systems and manages the retention of recordings. E. On-Body Recording System (OBRS) – A device that includes a camera and recorder that allows officers to audio/video record live incidents of any law enforcement encounter. F. Original Files – Audio/Video files uploaded to EVIDENCE.com™. 4. Procedures A. On-Body Recording Systems equipment issued to an officer of the department is the responsibility of that officer. The OBRS equipment will be oper ated according to manufacturer’s recommendati ons and department regulations. 1. All officers while on patrol shall wear the OBRS unit. Officers working in an off-duty capacity shall wear the OBRS unit when one is available for use. Primary patrol units shal l have priority wh en assigning units. 2. Prior to leaving their assigned duty station, officers are required to ensure their OBRS unit is working properly and that the date and time are accurate. a. The officer will check the OBRS by conducting a brief recordi ng of his or he r name, date and time. b. After recording, the officer will review the video to verify the audio /video test recorded properly. c. Officers will immediately notify a supervisor if any problems with the OBRS are detected or the system is not functioning proper ly. 17.2, Page 3 d. Officers will ensure all previous recordings have been uploaded and they are beginning their shift with a cleared system. e. Officers will ensure they begin their shift with a completely charged power source for their assigned OBRS. f. If during an officer’s tour of duty, any portion of the OBRS malfunctions, the officer will immediately notify a supervisor of same. g. Officers will inform a supervisor of any recorded sequences that may be of value for training purposes. 3. The OBRS should p rovide an A/V recording of an incident that most closely resembles a view of the incident comparable to the officer’s perspective. Several mounting options are available (e.g., epaulet mount, head mount, 360° view, etc.). 4. Officers shall use the OBRS un it to record the incidents listed below. In all situations, tactical and officer safety considerations are always paramount before physical OBRS activations. [32.02M -(B)] a. Responding to calls for service in an emergency status. b. All traffic pursuits and a ll foot pursuits. c. All traffic stops, including the investigation of a vehicle and occupants already stopped or parked. d. All requests for searches and deployments of drug -detection canines involving vehicles, when practical. e. All arrests and/or citations. The OBRS should be left on until the arrestee is safely secured inside the patrol vehicle and the situation is calmed. Officers have the discretion to keep the camera on at all times if they choose. f. Any incident where an o fficer is acting in an official law enforcement capacity and it may become necessary for the officer to invoke his or her authority as a law enfor cement officer. 1. Consideration should be given whether or not to record incidents of a sensitive nature to incl ude, but not limited to, 17.2, Page 4 interviewing victims of crimes, situations involving minors, and recording the interior of a victim’s residence, etc. 2. It