Introduction

Body cameras have become an essential tool for law enforcement agencies across the country, and Baltimore County is no exception. These devices enable officers to capture video and audio recordings of their interactions with the public during their duties, providing a transparent and accurate record of events. Body camera footage can be a powerful tool for ensuring police accountability, boosting public trust, and promoting transparency. In fact, the Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD) has been implementing body-worn cameras since 2017.

In this blog post, we'll explain the process of requesting Baltimore County police body camera footage for anyone who may need to access these records, such as attorneys, journalists, and concerned citizens.

Understanding the Maryland Public Information Act

The Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) grants the public the right to access governmental records without having to disclose a specific reason for the request. Baltimore County abides by the MPIA. The Act applies to all records, including police body camera footage, maintained by local police departments or government agencies.

Before submitting a request to access body camera footage, it's essential to understand that certain restrictions may apply, depending on the content of the video and its potential impact on privacy or ongoing investigations.

Submitting a Request for Baltimore County Police Body Camera Footage

The process of submitting a body camera footage request is straightforward. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Identify the specific footage you are seeking: To increase the chances of locating the desired body camera footage, you should provide as much information as possible. This may include:

The date and time of the incident

The location of the incident

The names and badge numbers of the involved officers

The case or incident number, if available

2. Prepare a written request: Draft a formal written request to obtain the body camera footage. Include all the relevant information mentioned above, along with your contact information (name, address, email address, and phone number). This ensures the police department can reach out to you for clarification or updates regarding the status of your request.

3. Submit the request: You can submit your request to the BCoPD by mail, email, or fax. The contact information for MPIA requests is as follows:

Mail: Baltimore County Police Department - Records Management Unit\

700 E. Joppa Rd.\

Room 100\

Towson, MD 21286

Email:

Fax: 410-339-4224

Please note that a processing fee may be required depending on the specifics of the request and the time it takes to process.

What to Expect After Submitting Your Request

Once the BCoPD receives your request, they will review it and comply with the Maryland Public Information Act guidelines in determining whether the footage can be disclosed. There are several possible outcomes:

1. Full approval: If the request meets all the criteria and stipulations under the MPIA, you may receive the complete, unredacted body camera footage.

2. Partial approval: Depending on the content of the footage or its relation to ongoing investigations, the BCoPD may decide to release the video with certain portions redacted to protect privacy or maintain legal compliance.

3. Denial: If the request doesn't meet the standards set by the MPIA, or if the release of the footage could compromise investigations or infringe upon privacy rights, the BCoPD may deny your request in its entirety. In this case, you will receive a written explanation detailing the reasons for denial.

Appealing a Denied Request

If you believe your request was denied unfairly, you may appeal the decision by contacting the BCoPD directly. The department will review the appeal and respond accordingly. If you are still unsatisfied with the result, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General's Public Access Ombudsman can offer additional assistance in resolving disputes between requesters and governmental custodians.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining Baltimore County police body camera footage can be an essential factor in ensuring transparency and accountability for law enforcement actions. By understanding the Maryland Public Information Act and following the request procedure outlined in this guide, you can successfully access these crucial records while respecting the privacy and legal considerations of all parties involved.