The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office has announced the implementation of body worn cameras (BWCs) for licensed deputies and corrections officers by 2024.
The decision is supported by funds from the Public Safety Aid Program, as approved in the 2023 Minnesota legislative session.
These “BWCs”, small devices that record audio and video, aim to document interactions between law enforcement and community members, including the public, suspects, victims, witnesses, and prisoners.
The forward-facing devices, attached to the officer’s uniform, have been shown to reduce civilian complaints, enhance accountability, increase transparency, and decrease civil liability.
Minnesota State Statute 626.8473 mandates that any law enforcement agency adopting a BWC program must accept public comments submitted electronically or by mail.
Additionally, the governing body overseeing the agency’s budget must provide an opportunity for public comment at a regularly scheduled meeting.
To facilitate community input, a public hearing is scheduled during the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 12, 2023.
Their is also Body Cam Poll everyone is encouraged to share input on the matter.
Chief Deputy Reed Reinbold can be contacted for questions or comments at rreinbold@ottertailcounty.gov or by phone at 218-998-8530.
Written correspondence can be directed to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Chief Deputy Reinbold, 417 S Court St, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.
Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons highlighted that the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office already utilizes squad car-mounted cameras in marked vehicles.
The move to implement BWCs aims to further enhance evidence collection, public and officer accountability, and reduce civil liability.
The complete body worn camera policy information is available on the Otter Tail County website at Portable Audio Video Recorders 8-11-2023 (ottertail.mn.us).
Sheriff Fitzgibbons stated that the video data is subject to Minnesota’s data privacy rules, with most BWC video data not considered public and only accessible in specific circumstances.
The Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office recently began exploring the possibility into implementation of a Body-Worn Camera program, as part of their ongoing commitment to transparency and public safety.
A special meeting for that was held on November 14, 2023, at 1 pm, during which the Body-Worn Camera program was discussed, and inquiries about it can be directed to their email at sheriff@wilkincounty.gov.
In 2018, Fergus Falls Chief of Public Safety Kile Bergren shared this statement regarding body cams. “We do not use body cams. We don’t have any intent to use them any time soon.”
Expressing disinterest in the need or use of body cams, noting various reasons to not incorporate the devices into their system, and stating that is not necessary for this community.
Otter Tail County Sheriff Brian Schlueter stated in 2018, regarding the future of Otter Tail County using body cameras. “If it proves itself maybe it’ll become a standard,”
As of 2023, the Fergus Falls Police Department still does not use body cameras.