APD Body Cam Policy Crafting

[Mateo Clarke]

There is a very important discussion beginning around APD's implementation of body worn cameras. An early pilot program is beginning next month and a full launch is targeted for July 1.

Open Austin has been invited to join the crafting of a "Citizen's Proposal" with the Texas Electronic Privacy Coalition. Attached is an early/rough draft of some points that would be included the proposal. 

One important point is the state law that currently guides APD's implementation is that "a person requesting a video needs the date and approximate time of the recording, the specific location where the recording occurred, and the name of one or more of the people on the recording."  A key suggestion from the Citizen Proposal would allow the subject of a recording to opt-in to sharing the details of their encounter.

To sign up to receive updates or participate in a working group, please add you name and email to this Google Form:

http://goo.gl/forms/CJhFXEpNri

Our next Open Gov & Civic Tech Meetup on March 21 will focus on the issue of Body Worn Cameras:

http://www.meetup.com/Open-Austin/events/228772262/

For more information from APD on their rollout: http://www.austintexas.gov/APDbodycam

Texas State Bill 158 on the implementation of Body Worn Camera : http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/html/SB00158F.htm

Thanks!
Mateo Clarke

Brigade Captain & Chair, Open Austin