Audit into Sauk Rapids Police Department gives glimpse into body camera policies
An independent audit of the Sauk Rapids Police Department's body camera use and policies came back with flying colors, and in compliance with Minnesota Statutes.
The audit, performed by Lynn Lembcke Consulting, found the department in compliance of every category under review, ranging from data retention to public comment, to camera use, according to the independent audit report.
Sauk Rapids was found in compliance of keeping body camera footage for at least 90 days, as required by state law. As described in the report, the independent auditor verified this compliance by selecting reports and comparing when the file was created and deleted.
Sauk Rapids police response: 16-year-old boy run over by car during Nerf war
In the report, the auditor said the police department provides proper access to body camera data. Data, such as camera footage, is only provided to employees who need to view data to perform their job responsibilities, according to the audit report. Roles and permissions are granted by the department's assistant chief of police and a sergeant.
The Sauk Rapids City Council was found in compliance of holding a public hearing when making decisions about body cameras, according to the audit. The governing body discussed implementing a body camera policy in early 2020. Sauk Rapids officials held a public open house on the proposals on Jan. 27, 2020 and a city council public hearing on Feb. 10, 2020.
The audit report was sent to the city on March 30, according to the Sauk Rapids City Council packet.
Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Sauk Rapids police pass body camera audit with flying colors
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