WHEREAS, the use of video and audio recording has grown in law enforcement services during the past decade; and

WHEREAS, video and audio recordings can increase the transparency and accountability of all contacts with law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, police videos released in accordance with freedom of information requests can be made public and used for profit; and

WHEREAS, the importance of transparency and accountability should not be disregarded, yet the rights of victim privacy and the potential impact on the victim should be significantly considered when capturing and/or releasing recordings; and

WHEREAS, public release of video and audio recordings can re-victimize crime victim(s) and impact the physical and psychological healing of victims and witnesses each time it is re-publicized, as well as devastate families and communities overall; and

WHEREAS, partnerships and collaborations with local community and victim advocates organizations can assist law enforcement to gain a better understanding of the impact of audio and video recordings on crime victims; and

WHEREAS, enhancing already established policies and laws to meet new and rapidly changing technology advancements can aid law enforcement with navigating the complexities that arise with the implementation and use of audio and video recordings; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 122nd Annual Conference and Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, recommends that law enforcement leaders collaborate with criminal justice stakeholders, prosecutors and elected officials to enhance or create laws and policies designed to closely regulate the release of law enforcement captured audio and video recordings; and, be it.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that law enforcement leaders, criminal justice stakeholders, prosecutors and elected officials work to balance transparency concerns and the public's right to know, against privacy issues for victims; and prioritize the rights of victims, their family, witnesses, and community members, to protect these individuals from further physical and psychological harm that can occur when audio and video recordings becomes public.

Submitted by: Victim Services Committee, Private Sector Liaison Committee, Crime Prevention Committee, Police Investigative Operations Committee, Community Policing Committee, and
Civil Rights Committee

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