10-117.01 - Surveillance Video Collection and Forensic Video

Policy

Officers and investigators shall make a reasonable effort to collect pertinent surveillance video recordings while on-scene at a crime scene, if the video can be retrieved and downloaded immediately. Video evidence shall be property inventoried in accordance with Section 10-400, Property and Evidence.

In the event of a homicide or Critical Incident, Car 21 will collect surveillance video recordings, complete necessary Crime Lab work orders, and notify Crime Lab Unit (CLU) Forensic Video Analysis personnel of immediate video analysis needs. If immediate retrieval is not possible, the CLU Forensic Case Coordinator shall be responsible for completing the documentation and work orders necessary for later collection of video evidence from a specified location/scene by CLU personnel.

If an incident (other than a homicide or Critical Incident) just occurred and the immediate identification of additional evidence or leads is vital, video evidence can be brought directly to the Crime Lab Unit (CLU) and will be prioritized per CLU policy. If a Forensic Video Analyst is not available or if the equipment is in use and cannot be interrupted, the investigator will be advised so other options can evaluated and pursued as necessary.

Note: A recent homicide, Critical Incident or request from Police Administration will be given immediate priority by CLU Video Analysts and take precedence over any other case awaiting analysis by an investigator or attorney.

To obtain Forensic Video Analysis services, case investigators shall complete an “Investigator’s Request for Service” Form (MP-9010) and ensure the following information is provided:

1. Case Control Number;
2. Investigator contact information (name and phone numbers, including desk and cell);
3. Location of surveillance video evidence (if applicable);
4. Mark the “other” box and include comments describing what service is needed (i.e. copy of video, still photos printed, retrieval from specific address/location, immediacy, etc.) and
5. A description of specific evidentiary information to identify on video (i.e. suspect including clothing, specific actions, time frame of incident, etc).

If it is determined that the processing/analysis services required are not available in the MPD Crime Lab, prior written approval for the use of outside services must be obtained from the CLU Director or his/her designee.

Forensic Video Analysts will contact investigators for further information as needed.

• 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
• Investigators: All persons from the MPD Homicide unit and Internal Affairs unit who are conducting an investigation of the Critical Incident, unless other Criminal Investigating and Administrative Investigating Entities have been designated by the Chief of Police or their designee.