For Immediate Release – April 1, 2022
Hermantown Opens Body Worn Camera Survey for Police Department
Hermantown, Minn. – The Hermantown Police Department is currently in the process of looking at the implementation of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) for its officers. In exploration of this potential addition, a survey has been opened to garner community feedback.
The Hermantown Police Department (HPD) has viewed demonstrations by various vendors and explored the different platforms and data storage systems available. The HPD will also be looking at having these BWC’s work in conjunction with the mobile cameras in their squad cars.
Data obtained using this new tool will be stored with an evidence management system provided by the camera vendor. This data is classified, audited, stored, and filed digitally as evidence. These digital files are uploaded wirelessly and accessed over a secured system which can also be utilized by other agencies such as the prosecutor’s office at the discretion of the HPD.
Both the state legislature and the League of Minnesota Cities has provided certain requirements and guidelines for Minnesota law enforcement agencies that are looking at implementing a BWC program at their agencies. Requirements, as well as guidelines on policy development, were also provided. One of the requirements is that agencies need to provide opportunities for public comment, accepted by mail and email. It also requires that the City Council allow for public comment at one of their regular meetings; which is currently set for Monday, May 2, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
The HPD seeks the support of the community, as well as the officers that will be wearing the cameras, and appreciates the importance of community input as this process moves forward.
An electronic version of the survey can be found on the City’s website at www.hermantownmn.com/police. Additionally, surveys can be completed in person at the HPD at 5111 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown, MN 55811 or printed and mailed. Finally, surveys may also be printed, scanned, and emailed to [email protected].
The Police Department has created a draft policy based on statute requirements as well as the model policy provided by the League of Minnesota Cities, which is also available for viewing at the above website.
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For more information, contact: Joe Wicklund, Communications Director, City of Hermantown at [email protected] or 218.729.3614.