PAP.18.6.030 Discussion

The objective of this policy is to increase the efficiency of the department's mission, "Excellence in Service", increase officer safety, and safeguard the rights of our citizens and personnel in the use of this technology. Audio and video recordings captured by assigned personnel during law enforcement or investigative actions are evidence and a public record, and, therefore subject to rules of evidence and Wisconsin Public Records Law, Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39.

It is understood the recording captured from a BWC provides an objective record of the event however does not necessarily reflect the experience, state of mind of the individual assigned personnel, or events occurring outside the recording capabilities of the camera angle. The video recording has limitations and may depict events differently than the events recalled by the involved personnel. Specifically, it is understood the BWC may capture information that may not have been heard and/or observed by the involved employee and may not capture information observed by the employee.