SB 690 provides a framework of mandatory disclosures and denials for public information act (PIA) requests of police body camera footage. MML, along with the Maryland Association of Counties, supports the bill and testified at the hearing on 2/25.
Much of the cost associated with operating a police body camera program is not in the capital costs of equipment, but instead in storage and review of footage for PIA requests. SB 690, greatly assists with the latter by providing bright line assistance for record custodians to properly deny, redact, or disclosure certain videos or portions of certain videos. The mandatory denials are of scenes depicting a victim of particular crimes which are not suitable for public consumption. The bill strikes a balance between protection of the privacy of victims while still allowing public access to records.
For more information, please contact Bill Jorch, billj@mdmunicipal.org