Can anyone request a copy of video recordings from the body worn or in-car cameras?
As with any other record maintained by the Metro Nashville Police Department, camera recordings will be released in compliance with applicable law. Necessarily, some videos or video content will be withheld or redacted. Examples include open criminal cases, certain victim information, private areas or incidents, such as the inside of a home that is not a crime scene or a person receiving medical treatment. To make a request, download the Public Records Policy/Request Form from Central Records.
Will the body worn and in-car cameras always be recording?
The cameras will only save recordings after the officer activates the camera. Each Body Worn and In-Car Camera will also record 60 seconds of video prior to each activation.
Will officers have discretion on when to activate a recording?
Officers will follow Metro Nashville Police Department policy on when to activate a recording with limited discretion. Officers will be required to record any investigative or enforcement activity involving a member of the public. Examples of when an activation should occur are: calls for service, traffic stops, arrest, and searches.
Can police officers delete video recordings?
Officers are not able to modify, alter, or delete video recordings.
Are officers required to get my permission or notify me when they are recording?
Officers are not required to obtain consent when the officer is lawfully in the area where the recording takes place, the same as a citizen who records an officer with their phone. However, officers are encouraged to inform individuals that they are being recorded whenever possible, safe, and practical.
How long will body worn and in-car camera recordings be stored?
Recordings are stored according to Metro Nashville Police Department policy and depending upon video content may be retained from a few months to several years. A routine test video or video which does not involve a citizen interaction would be an example of a video which would be stored for only a few months, while an arrest or major crime would be stored for several years.
What is an example of when an officer is not authorized to review their video?
An example of a situation where review of the video is not authorized is after an officer is involved in an officer involved shooting. Viewing of Police Department video recordings automatically logs the identity of the user as well as the date and time of access.
What is an example of when an officer is authorized to review their video?
One example of an authorized review is when an officer has responded to a residential burglary call for service. After walking through the scene, and interviewing the victim, the officer reviews their Body Worn Camera recording to ensure the accuracy of their report. Viewing of Police Department video recordings automatically logs the identity of the user as well as the date and time of access.
Can officers view body worn and in-car camera recordings?
Investigators, supervisors, prosecutors, and other officials rely on complete and accurate records to perform their essential duties and responsibilities. Therefore Metro Nashville Police Department policy allows officers to review their recordings in limited situations.
Will Metro be using Facial Recognition software with either the Body Worn or In-Car Camera systems?
The Metro Nashville Police Department currently has no plans to integrate Facial Recognition software in either the Body Worn or In-Car Camera systems.
What is the difference between a Body Worn Camera and In-Car Camera?
In-Car cameras are fixed to the interior of the police vehicle, therefore only capturing video from the front and interior of the vehicle. The In-Car Camera will also capture audio from the inside of the police vehicle. Body Worn Cameras retain the strengths of the In-Car Camera, but they allow the technology to accompany the officer wherever he or she goes. The Police Department Body Worn and In- Car Camera systems are synchronized to document incidents from multiple perspectives.
Will officers be trained to use the body worn and in-car cameras?
Yes. Prior to utilizing a camera, each officer will be trained in the objectives of the camera program, camera operation, proper placement of the Body Worn Camera, Metro Nashville Police Department policy, recording advisements, access, storage & retention, and go through scenario-based exercises.
If a police officer fails to turn on their camera is this a violation of policy?
If an officer fails to activate their camera as required by policy, an investigation would be conducted to determine why the camera was not activated. If the investigation revealed the officer knowingly or intentionally failed to activate their camera, the officer would face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.