MINNEAPOLIS -- A new body camera policy released by Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and Mayor Jacob Frey has garnered praise and criticism from the nation’s largest public interest law firm.
In a statement on its website the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota said there are “a number of encouraging changes” but also described its reaction as “disappointed” by some of the changes.
Specifically, the ACLU called out a stipulation that mandates officers must activate body worn cameras no later than within two blocks of arriving on the scene of a call.
The ACLU said it's "mindful of data storage issues,” something MPD has stated as a reason for not activating cameras earlier.
Another point the ACLU expressed its concerns about is giving officers the ability to review their own camera footage.
“While there are also a number of encouraging changes in the policy, we are disappointed that the new policy does not incorporate the recommendations we have made over the past few years including prohibiting officers’ review of camera footage," the ACLU said. "And we are deeply concerned that a matrix of discipline is only now being implemented.”
Both the Chief and Mayor touted the new body camera policy as being a clear guideline for accountability and discipline for officers wearing body cameras.