Rules and Regulations Establishing Statewide Policy for the Use and Operation of Body-Worn Cameras

Regulation Authority:

R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-161-4

Purpose and Reason:

The current rules and regulations are being amended as part of the Office of the Attorney General’s annual policy review to ensure the rules and regulations remain consistent with state law, societal developments and feedback from state law enforcement agencies. The proposed amendments contain minor clarifications and revisions to the scope of the initial regulation. For example, the Office proposes to update the language in the rules and regulations to reflect the practice that BWC video footage is not deleted but is instead restricted, in varying circumstances. The proposed amendments also update the section relating to activation requirements to clarify when BWCs are required to be turned on and clarify that BWCs are required to be turned on for any service involving a member of the public. Additionally, the proposed amendments change some references of “BWC” to “BWC equipment” to encompass the other parts that make up the BWC system. Lastly, the proposed amendments broaden the type of reports that must document the existence of BWC recordings. 

These proposed amendments govern Rhode Island law enforcement agencies using and operating body-worn cameras in connection with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-161, the statewide Body-Worn Camera Program.