PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION- Chris Olson, Safety Services Manager/Police Chief
Title
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR BODY WORN CAMERAS
Background
The Blaine Police Department is contemplating the purchase and implementation of body worn cameras (BWCs). We at the Blaine Police Department recognize the important relationship between the Department and the community which we serve. BWCs have the capability to enhance officer safety, document statements and events between police officers and the community, preserve information for current and future investigations, and enhance public trust and transparency, all while respecting the privacy and rights of those we serve and those who serve.
The Blaine Police Department is planning a multi-phased approach to the implementation of BWCs. In order to work within the purchasing and budgeting process of the City of Blaine, BWCs have been identified as a potential budget item for 2017. As part of the process, the City Council will need to determine if such a purchase will be part of the 2017 budget; this decision needs to be made prior to the end of this year (2016). Policy development will take time. We will be looking at best-practices from other agencies, along with model policies, and, of course, public comments. There will also be a period of time needed to deploy and test the cameras and the system.
Phase I/Purchase: The Blaine Police Department is contemplating the purchase of Axon Body Worn Cameras. As noted by State law, there must be a public comment opportunity. As part of the November 3, 2016 Blaine City Council Meeting, there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the purchase of BWCs. In addition, this information will be included in the most-recent City of Blaine newsletter and it will be posted on the City of Blaine website. The below mail and email addresses can be used to submit written comments about this purchase.
bwcpurchase@ci.blaine.mn.us <mailto:bwcpurchase@ci.blaine.mn.us>
BWC Purchase c/o the Blaine Police Department
10801 Town Square Drive NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Phase II/Policy: Similar to Phase I, there must be an opportunity for public input. By May of 2017, information will be posted regarding the opportunity for the public to comment on the draft Blaine Police Department policy for BWCs. The appropriately-timed City of Blaine Newsletter will have an email address and mailing address to send in comments. At that time, additional information will be posted on the City of Blaine website regarding the draft BWC policy.
Phase III/Testing, Implementation and Deployment: Utilizing the input we have received, we will then put the BWCs into service.
Phase IV/On-going Support and Management of the System and Data.
As part of the public comment period for the purchase/implementation of BWCs, along with the public comment period for policy development, there will likely be questions posed; answering those questions will be important. To efficiently respond to those questions and comments (and the likelihood there will be similar questions and comments), information will be posted as to the response of those comments in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ -type) response. The responses will be posted sometime after the closing of the comment period.
We look forward to the responses from our community.