Senate backs body camera bill after debating access

Guidelines for police use of body-worn cameras have again passed the Minnesota Senate, but they face an uncertain fate in the House.

The Senate voted 47-14 Monday to make much of the data captured by the cameras private. Some exceptions are when deadly or substantial force occurs at the hands of police or if someone in the video seeks its release.

Senators rejected an amendment to require officers to gain consent before filming in a dwelling put forward by those who say the cameras are equivalent to searches that would otherwise require a warrant. Opponents of that amendment said it's not clear who would be empowered to give or withhold consent, making the request unworkable.

Sen. Carla Nelson, R-Rochester, argued that fiddling with a camera while responding to a call could put officers at risk.

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"I just believe that these situations are so volatile and so intense. And not knowing what is coming next I would not want our police officers or sheriffs to take their eyes off the situation at hand in order to shut off off the body cameras," she said. "I understand the concern. But I think the concern is how this data is used, which this bill does address by making it private."

Under the bill, law enforcement agencies using cameras would have to adopt policies governing when they're on or off and the circumstances for eventually destroying data.

Critics of the bill said it gives too much power to police and doesn't do enough for transparency.

Officers would also be able to review video before writing their reports or making a statement on an incident.

Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, said it favors police over the people they serve.

"Initially we were told this bill was about balance. But we've been hearing a lot about law enforcement and what law enforcement needs," Champion said. "But what is missing is consideration for the person who is on the other side of the lens."

Sen. Ron Latz, DFL- St. Louis Park, said the cameras give both sides rights and recourse. He rejected suggestions his bill was tilted toward police.

Companion body camera legislation has stalled in the House.

Some cities are waiting to deploy the cameras until the Legislature provides guidance.