§ 42-161-4 — § 42-161-4. Rules and regulations — Statewide policies, procedures, and guidelines for the use and operation of body-worn cameras.

§ 42-161-4. Rules and regulations — Statewide policies, procedures, and guidelines for the use and operation of body-worn cameras.

(a) The director of the department of public safety in consultation with the attorney general shall promulgate rules and regulations, pursuant to chapter 35 of this title, to develop the criteria and manner in which funds are awarded to Rhode Island police departments under this chapter.

(b) The attorney general and the director of the department of public safety, in consultation with the Rhode Island police chiefs' association, shall promulgate rules and regulations, pursuant to chapter 35 of this title, after holding a public hearing, to create a policy for the use and operation of body-worn cameras. This policy shall address at a minimum, but not be limited to:

(1) Proper use of equipment;

(2) Data and equipment security;

(3) Activation and deactivation of cameras;

(4) Notification to the public of recording;

(5) Records retention procedures and timelines;

(6) Access to data by law enforcement and the public;

(7) Privacy protections, including redaction procedures; and

(8) Compliance monitoring.

(c) The public safety grant administration office shall condition the award of money under this chapter on the certification of a police chief, or highest ranking sworn member of a law enforcement agency, that the certifying chief's department has adopted the policy referenced in subsection (b) of this section.

Legislative History

P.L. 2021, ch. 228, § 1, effective July 8, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 229, § 1, effective July 8, 2021.