HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-173 RESOLUTION NO. 2015-173
CITY OF STILLWATER
WASHINGTON COUNTY,MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR A
TEMPORARY CLASSIFICATION OF BODY WORN CAMERA DATA
Whereas, critical incidents between law enforcement officers and community members
across the United States have resulted in demands for increased accountability and transparency
in police operations, and
Whereas, a June 2015 survey sponsored by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers
Association showed that Minnesota law enforcement is well-respected and highly regarded by
members of their respective communities,and
Whereas, the Stillwater Police Department seeks to study use of body worn camera
technology to strongly affirm its commitment to high quality community oriented policing, and
Whereas, a recent study that solicited public input through an online survey pertaining to body
worn camera use and found that:
• 97% of those surveyed said they are aware of the fact that law enforcement agencies
are using or exploring the use of body cameras, and
• 65%agreed that using body cameras could help improve police community relations,
and
• 62% said video taken in their home during a police call for service should be private
except to them as a subject of the data,
Whereas,the City of Stillwater has an interest in protecting the privacy of individuals who
have contact with our police officers while ensuring that involved persons can access video for
purposes of ensuring police accountability, and
Whereas, the Stillwater Police Department intends to partner with other law enforcement
agencies and allied community organizations to prepare and submit an application to
Minnesota's Commissioner of Administration seeking a temporary classification of body worn
camera data until such time as the Minnesota legislature establishes law governing such data.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Stillwater City Council supports the
police department's plan to actively participate as a joint-applicant in the development and
submission of a multi jurisdictional application for the temporary classification of body worn
camera data.
Adopted September 15, 2015
CITY OF STILLWATER
4.9 TEST:
Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Ted Kozlowski,Mayor