ACLU Criticizes Woodbury Body Camera Draft Policy

Since December, the Woodbury Police Department has been accepting feedback on its newly crafted police body camera policy. The new policy outlines the rules on when and who can view the footage from the cameras.

Among the new policy's critics is the Minnesota chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. The local ACLU believes that Woodbury's body camera policy draft unfairly benefits police over citizens.

"We have supported the use of body cameras as a tool to establish public trust in the police through enhanced transparency and accountability," the ACLU said in a statement.

"Unfortunately, the current Draft Policy makes clear that body cameras will primarily be used by Woodbury police as an evidence gathering and surveillance tool. In order to address these concerns, we suggest that department-level policies should be implemented based on the following standards and principles."

Among ACLU's suggestions to Woodbury city officials is to limit "officer discretion on when to activate and deactivate cameras," as well as place a prohibition on recording "generalized activity."

"Allowing officers to view body camera footage before writing reports could undermine the legitimacy of their investigations. This is especially problematic when there are complaints ofexcessive use of force and in any officer-involved shootings."

The Woodbury Police Department will begin testing the body cameras in March, the Woodbury Bulletin reported. The comment period is closed, but the police department is still accepting feedback on the policy at police@woodburymn.gov.

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