4-218 - Mobile and Video Recording (MVR) Policy

The purpose of utilizing mobile video recording (MVR) equipment in Minneapolis Police Department vehicles is to:

• capture video evidence for criminal, civil and traffic-related court cases.
• assist officers with recalling facts or other details captured by the equipment that will help them accurately articulate a chain of events when writing reports.
• allow supervisors to review the contents of the recorded media as a management tool within their chain of command.
• be used as a training tool for officer safety and best practices in the MPD.
• assist in the assessment of contacts between officers and the public by reviewing procedures and interpersonal actions.

The content of this policy will provide MPD personnel with guidelines and procedures for the use, management, access, retention, handling of evidence, degaussing, storage, and retrieval of recorded media captured by MVR equipment.

Minneapolis Police Department employees shall be responsible for performing assigned duties in accordance with the Mobile Video Recording (MVR) System Policy and the MVR Operational Guide. All MPD employees who have access to the MVR systems shall receive training on these systems. Training may include, but not be limited to: department policy, directives, electronic or traditional classroom education.

All stops and searches captured on the MVR are presumed to be legal and valid unless evidence indicates otherwise.

The term “officer” is used generically in this document and does not assume a level of rank, such as Patrol Officer. It includes all applicable sworn and non-sworn personnel.

Conditions of Use (Digital and VHS Systems)

1. MVR equipment installed in any MPD vehicle is the responsibility of the officer(s) assigned to that vehicle and shall be operated in accordance with MPD training, MPD policy and procedures, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. When the activation indicator is illuminated, officers should be aware that activities are being recorded.
3. Before placing any MVR-equipped vehicle in service, officers shall conduct an MVR Equipment Check to ensure that the equipment is working properly.

1. MVR Equipment Checks conducted on the digital MVR system shall be categorized “90 Day Retention”.
2. The officer’s immediate supervisor shall immediately be notified of any missing or malfunctioning MVR equipment.

4. The driver shall wear the wireless microphone, verify that it is turned on and shall be responsible for ensuring that it is working properly throughout the shift.
5. Members activate MVR through any process which causes the MVR system to record video or audio data (Record Mode). Record Mode can be activated in the following ways:

1. Automatically, when a trigger event occurs;
2. Manually, by an officer via the wireless microphone, LCD monitor console, or digital video recorder (DVR) box in the vehicle’s trunk.

6. MVR equipment shall be in Record Mode:

• For every stop/contact where a motor vehicle is involved and shall record the stop/contact in its entirety.
• For domestic abuse incident interviews conducted inside or in close proximity to an MVR equipped vehicle.
• Any time a person is transported in a squad, regardless of the destination. This does not apply when an authorized ride-along is the only other person in the squad. When practical, officers shall begin recording when the person is placed in the squad, regardless if transportation begins immediately following activation.

7. The digital MVR system is preset to record video prior to activation. This MVR pre-event recording is included as part of the incident and is viewable during playback.
8. MVR equipment may be manually deactivated during non-enforcement activities, such as protecting accident scenes, traffic posts, and/or assisting motorists.
9. MVR equipment shall not be manually deactivated for an arrest, DUI, Use of Force, traffic stop or a “Significant Incident” as defined in this policy.
10. Any sworn supervisor can direct an officer to activate or deactivate MVR equipment.
11. Officers shall notify their immediate supervisor of any recorded event believed to be of value administrative review or training purposes.
12. Officers shall inform those who ask, that video/audio recording equipment is in use.
13. Nothing herein shall preclude MPD personnel from reviewing or using recorded data for the purposes of investigation or prosecution of crimes, or preparation of reports. Recorded data may only be used for training purposes with the approval of the Deputy Chief of Professional Standards.
14. An MPD employee who is captured on or referenced in any recorded media, may review such data and use the data for any purpose relating to his/her employment, provided such use complies with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, MPD policy and other laws.
15. All MVR recordings are the property of the MPD and original MVR recordings shall remain in the sole custody of the MPD, unless used in court as evidence, provided to an expert for analysis, or required to be provided to another by lawful order.
16. An MVR-equipped vehicle can be used for off-duty employment with supervisor pre-approval. MVR-equipped vehicles and use of MVR equipment are subject to all requirements as outlined for on-duty use.
17. Only MPD-issued videotapes, memory cards and microphones shall be used in MVR equipment. MPD Stores is responsible for distributing blank MVR storage and equipment to the precincts and units.
18. Disabling MVR equipment and/or altering, duplicating or destroying MVR recordings is prohibited, except for authorized personnel.
19. When reference is made to an MVR recorded event in a police report or supplement, the P# of the squad which captured the event shall be noted in the report.

MVR System - Supervisor Responsibility

1. Supervisors shall ensure that officers follow established procedures for the use and maintenance of MVR equipment, videotapes, and the completion of MVR documentation.
2. Supervisors shall periodically view recorded media to ensure proper procedures are being followed.
3. Supervisors may review the contents of the MVR systems, as a management tool within their chain of command.

MVR Digital System

1. Members shall categorize an event that has been recorded and for which a predetermined retention period has been set. Every recorded event shall be appropriately categorized in order to ensure proper data retention guidelines are followed.
2. Recorded events will be categorized using the following categories. Only one category can be chosen for each recorded event.

• 90 day retention;
• Citation;
• Arrest or DUI;
• Use of Force;
• Significant Incident

3. MVR digital recorded events categorized as Arrest, Use of Force or Significant Incident shall be uploaded at the MVR designated upload site by the officers assigned to the squad, prior to the end of their shift whenever possible.
4. When the display shows less than 4 gigabytes of available space, officers shall proceed to an MVR designated upload site to upload recordings.
5. When the police vehicle is within range of the MVR designated upload site, a wireless upload will occur and the MVR (digital) recordings will be automatically transferred over a wireless connection to a storage server.
6. In the event a memory card which contains recording(s) needs to be removed from the DVR, only Crime Lab personnel are authorized to remove the memory card.
7. Only Crime Lab Unit personnel are authorized to remove a memory card from DVR equipment.

VHS System

1. Only shift supervisors are authorized to possess a key to the MVR trunk vault.
2. Only shift supervisors are authorized to load or unload videotape into the MVR.
3. When the 30-minute warning light appears on the MVR overhead console display, officers shall notify their immediate supervisor and arrange to have the MVR videotape inventoried and replaced.
4. If the original MVR recording is of evidentiary value, it shall be inventoried in the Property & Evidence Unit prior to the end of the officer’s shift which encompasses the recorded event. A recording that is of evidentiary value includes the following:

1. Significant Incident;

2. Arrest;
3. DUI;
4. Use of force

5. MVR (VHS) recordings of non-evidentiary value will be stored at the precinct/unit where issued for a period of 1 year and then may be degaussed and re-used.
6. Exercise caution to ensure that repeated viewing of an original VHS recording is kept to a minimum. Repeated viewing may result in the quality of the recording to become degraded.
7. In the event of a Critical Incident, Crime Lab personnel shall collect MVR VHS recorded media from all squads at the scene.

1. In order to preserve the quality and integrity of the videotape, the recording shall not be reviewed in the squad car prior to collection.
2. A duplicate copy of the VHS recorded media will be made as soon as possible by Crime Lab personnel.
3. At the request of the Involved and/or Witness Officers, the Lead Investigator for the Critical Incident shall provide them an opportunity to view a copy of the MVR recorded media prior to giving a statement and completing a report.

VHS System - Supervisor Responsibility

1. Patrol supervisors are responsible for the installation, removal and storage of VHS videotapes.
2. Precinct/Unit commanders or their designees are responsible for the usage, labeling, storage, degaussing, and recycling of VHS recordings intended for patrol use.
3. Unless otherwise noted, MVR VHS videotapes stored at precincts shall be retained for one year and then may be degaussed and/or reused.
4. Videotapes that have been degaussed three times shall be destroyed.
5. Supervisors shall maintain a logbook to ensure inventory control of videotapes.
6. Each precinct/unit shall track the installation/removal of MVR videotapes via the Precinct/Unit MVR Videotape Log (MP-8898).

Property Inventorying MVR (VHS) Videotapes

1. Mobile Video Recording (MVR) videotapes shall be property inventoried when the MVR equipment was in use in the following situations:

1. Significant Incident;
2. Arrest;
3. DUI; and
4. Use of force

2. If the squad is involved in or responds to a Critical Incident:

1. Crime Lab Unit personnel will remove and property inventory MVR videotapes from all squads at the scene.
2. MVR videotapes property inventoried for reasons related to a Critical Incident shall only be permanently released or destroyed by the Property and Evidence Unit at the direction of the Commander of the Internal Affairs Unit.

3. In cases where evidence is recorded, it shall be noted on the videotape and in the CAPRS report.

MVR Equipment Coordinator

1. Each patrol precinct/unit will have a designated MVR Equipment Coordinator.
2. The MVR Equipment Coordinator will:

3. Ensure that all MVR equipment in vehicles is operational and accounted for;
4. Follow up when equipment and microphones are reported missing or in need of repair;
5. Conduct and/or coordinate training for personnel regarding MVR operations, MVR desktop software, and policy/procedure updates;
6. Liaison between the precinct/unit, the Business Technology Unit (BTU) and the Radio Shop;
7. Ensure videotapes from the MVR (VHS) system are maintained appropriately and requests for video duplication are handled in a timely manner.

MVR Equipment Maintenance, Repair and Replacement

1. Employees shall directly notify their immediate supervisor as soon as practical of any:

• Missing equipment.
• Damaged equipment.
• Malfunctioning equipment (including when either or both of the audio or video recording functions is malfunctioning).

2. The notification to the supervisor must be made without unnecessary delay.
3. As soon as practical, employees shall submit a ticket with the IT Service Desk to report the problems (in accordance with P&P 4-219).
4. Employees shall document in the Police Report any problems they encountered with their MVR while responding to an incident. The employee shall also note if they are using a replacement squad because of the issues. If a Police Report is not required, the employee shall document the problems in CAD.
5. Supervisors shall ensure that appropriate measures are taken when informed of any problems with the equipment. This includes ensuring a ticket is submitted for the problematic equipment (P&P 4-219), arranging for any replacements or alternatives, and making any necessary reports.

Requests for Duplication of MVR Recordings

1. Requests by MPD personnel for duplication of MVR video for purposes of official MPD business shall be directed to the Crime Lab Video Forensics section via submission of the Crime Lab Video Request for Services form (MP-9069).
2. Requests by MPD personnel for duplication of MVR video for non work-related purposes (e.g. teaching, personal reasons) shall be submitted to the Records Information Unit and are subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and City of Minneapolis data charges.
3. Requests made by the public for MVR video will be processed by the Records Information Unit (RIU), in conjunction with Precinct Supervisors, the Crime Lab Video Forensics Section and the Public Information Office.

1. Records Information Unit responsibilities:

1. Determine nature of the request;
2. Ensure video is not part of an active criminal or internal investigation;
3. Submit Crime Lab Video Request for Services form (MP-9069) to the CLU requesting duplication of video;
4. Receive recorded media intended for release;
5. Ensure the Public Information Office reviews video prior to release to make certain that only public information is released;
6. Notify requestor video is ready;
7. Collect fees and release video.

2. Precinct Supervisor responsibilities when an MVR VHS videotape recording is required for duplication:

1. Receive request from Records Information Unit;
2. Locate and property inventory videotape;

• If no CCN exists, one shall be generated and a CAPRS report completed using the code MISC.

3. Notify RIU via e-mail if the videotape is already inventoried under another CCN, if it no longer exists, or cannot be located.

3. Crime Lab Video Forensics Section responsibilities:

1. Receive requests via Crime Lab Video Request for Services form (MP-9069).
2. Process requests according to Crime Lab Division SOP’s.

4. Public Information Office responsibilities:

1. Coordinate with Records Information Unit to manage requests.
2. Review all videos to be released.

• Activate MVR: Any process which causes the MVR system to record video or audio data. Activation may occur automatically due to a trigger event or be done manually.
• Categorize an Event: Term used to classify an event that has been recorded and for which a predetermined retention period has been set.
• Critical Incident:

  An incident involving any of the following situations occurring in the line of duty:

  • The use of Deadly Force by or against a Minneapolis Police Officer
  • Death or Great Bodily Harm to an officer
  • Death or Great Bodily Harm to a person who is in the custody or control of an officer
  • Any action by an officer that causes or is intended to cause Death or Great Bodily Harm
• Degaussing: Electronic cleansing by overwriting, erasing, and/or destruction of electronic storage media of analog and digital recording media that returns the media to it original state so it is ready for the imprinting of new images.
• Designated Upload Site: Location where MVR recordings stored on media cards are uploaded to server through wireless transmission.
• Domestic Abuse: Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, terroristic threats, criminal sexual conduct, or interference with an emergency call, when committed between family or household members.
• Investigation: A structured process of gathering, examining, and evaluating facts and evidence to determine what occurred, assess compliance with laws and policies, and support appropriate actions or decisions.
• Lawful Order: Any written or oral directive issued by a supervisor or a proper authority in the course of work that is in compliance with MPD rules and regulations.
• Lead Investigator: The Investigator in charge of the criminal investigation or their designee at the scene. The Lead Investigator shall be from the MPD Homicide unit, unless otherwise designated.
• MVR Designated Upload Site: Location where MVR recordings stored on media cards are uploaded to server through wireless transmission.
• MVR Equipment Check: An audio/video test to ensure that the MVR equipment is in working order. This check shall include a test of the video and microphone recording components and a date and time check of the in-car LCD monitor.
• MVR Operational Guide: Training manual/guide which outlines the protocol for operating the MVR system/equipment.
• MVR Pre-Event Recording: Video stored by the MVR system prior to activation. This is a configurable feature for the digital MVR system and is preset to record video prior to activation. The pre-event recording is included as part of the incident and is viewable during playback.
• Police Report: A report or statement in a report that sets forth the officer's account of an incident and is entered into the MPD's Records Management System.
• Pre-Event Recording: Video stored by the MVR system prior to activation. This is a configurable feature for the digital MVR system and is preset to record video prior to activation. The pre-event recording is included as part of the incident and is viewable during playback.
• Record Mode: Any time MVR equipment is recording audio/video as indicated on the LCD monitor, wireless microphone and/or DVR.
• Significant Incident:

  Includes, but is not limited to, any of the following situations occurring in the line of duty:

  • Critical incident
  • Domestic abuse incident interview
  • Felony crime
  • Pursuit
  • Squad accident
  • Any incident in which the officer or sworn supervisor believes the recording to be of evidentiary and/or administrative value
  • The identity of someone in the video needs to be protected
  • Man-made or natural disaster or act of terrorism
  • Any event that an officer or supervisor believes should be brought to the immediate attention of police command staff
  • Any time that a citizen makes allegations of police misconduct or discrimination during the incident
• Trigger Event: An event that causes the MVR system to begin a video and audio recording. Trigger events include the activation of emergency lights or vehicle collision sensor.
• Use of Force:

  An intentional contact, directly or indirectly (such as through a weapon or force device), with someone’s body, that causes pain or injury or restricts, controls or directs someone’s movement. Intentionally placing someone in fear of such contact or threatening such contact can also constitute force. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • The use of any weapon, substance, vehicle, equipment, tool, device or animal that inflicts pain or produces injury.
  • Any physical strike to any part of the body.
  • Any physical contact or threat of contact by the member or a weapon that causes or threatens to cause pain or injury.
  • Any physical contact or threat of physical contact by the member that results in physical restriction or manipulation of movement.
  • Unholstering or displaying a weapon when engaged with a subject or subjects, or pointing a weapon at a person.
• Witness Officer: An officer who witnesses a Critical Incident, but did not engage in any conduct constituting a Critical Incident.