In recent years, body-worn cameras (BWCs) have been increasingly incorporated into police departments across the United States. They serve as tools aimed at enhancing officer accountability, documenting on-duty interactions, and increasing overall transparency within law enforcement agencies. One such police department that utilizes BWCs is the Baltimore Police Department. This blog post provides a complete guide on how to request body-worn camera footage from the Baltimore Police Department to ensure that community members and organizations have access to this crucial information.

In order to request body-worn camera footage from the Baltimore Police Department, one must follow a specific procedure. It is essential to understand that these requests might be subject to fees or restrictions, so a clear understanding of the process is necessary. Follow these steps to submit a successful body-worn camera footage request:

Step 1: Identify the Event and Required Information

The first step when submitting a request is to identify the event, incident, or interaction you wish to obtain footage of, as well as any pertinent details that may be necessary to access the footage. This information should include:

The date and time of the event

The location of the event, including street name, cross streets, or landmarks that might help identify the area

Names or badge numbers of the officers involved, if available

Any other relevant information that might assist in locating the footage, such as descriptions of actions or statements made by the officers or parties involved

Step 2: Determine Eligibility

Before you submit a request, it is essential to determine whether you are eligible to access the specific footage you are requesting. Generally, body-worn camera footage can be released to:

The subject of the recording or their legal representative

An individual who is necessary to further a criminal investigation or prosecution

An individual involved in civil litigation to which the recording is relevant

Step 3: Submission of Public Information Act Request (MPIA)

To request body-worn camera footage, you must submit a Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) request to the Baltimore Police Department. This form can usually be found on the department＊s website, or you can visit the department in person to obtain a hard copy. Here are a few guidelines on what to include in the MPIA request:

Clearly provide your name and contact information (address, email, phone number, etc.)

Describe, in the greatest detail possible, the incidents or interactions you are requesting footage of, along with the necessary information outlined in Step 1

Indicate whether you would like to receive the footage on a CD, DVD, or other external storage device

If applicable, include a statement describing the nature of your relationship with the incident (e.g., I am the subject of the recording, I am a witness to the incident, etc.)

Step 4: Prepare for Potential Fees and Wait Time

Once your MPIA request has been submitted, you may need to pay fees associated with the processing and delivery of the footage. These fees can vary depending on how much time and resources the department needs to locate and edit the requested footage. Additionally, anticipate an extended response time, as BWC footage requests can be labor-intensive and time-consuming tasks for the department.

Should your request be denied, you have the right to appeal the decision under the MPIA guidelines. You may also seek legal advice or assistance in filing an appeal. However, keep in mind that there may be legitimate grounds for denying access to the footage, such as a pending criminal investigation or privacy concerns for individuals captured in the recording.

In conclusion, the process of requesting body-worn camera footage from the Baltimore Police Department may seem complex. However, by following the steps detailed in this guide, you can navigate the process more easily and feel well-equipped in accessing these valuable public resources. Remember to be patient, as obtaining the footage may take time, but the ultimate goal is to work towards increased transparency, accountability, and trust within our police departments and communities.