Greetings from Wonderful Wyoming,

I have a question I trust you could help me with. A few of our LE
agencies are installing in-car videos. We are trying to get some
standardized language for the retention of video tapes use in patrol
vehicles.

The video recording documents each traffic stop conducted by the
department's officers. The recordings are used in court as evidence of
traffic stops and other encounters with the public. They may also be
used for officer training and to review officer actions in cases where
the officer and the department are accused of inappropriate actions.

Our recommended language is: "In cases where citations or criminal
charges are captured, retain until all court proceedings have been
completed, then recycle or destroy video as appropriate. In cases where
civil litigation may be indicated, retain 5 years after the traffic
stop, then recycle or destroy video as appropriate. In cases where the
video is reviewed and deemed  not to contain either of the above, retain
90 days after the traffic stop, then recycle or destroy video as
appropriate."

My question is: Have any of you had to deal with this issue? If so,
could you share your thoughts and recommendations with me? We have two
conflicting issues, cost of tapes and storage vs. the likelihood of
litigation. I would appreciate your wisdom as we wrestle with this.

Thank you,

Rich Wilson, MCP
Records Management Supervisor
Governmental Records
2301 Central Ave
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0001
Phone: 307-777-5586  Fax: 307-777-7044

E-Mail to and from me, in connection with the transaction of public
business, is subject to the Wyoming Public Records Act and may be
disclosed to third parties.

List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance