Body-Worn Cameras

Body-Worn Camera Program

Following a multi-year process to examine and implement the use of body-worn cameras, department wide use of cameras began in the fall of 2018.

All patrol personnel and detectives are assigned a body-worn camera unit.

Policy

Body-worn camera policy

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Body-Worn Cameras

What is a body-worn camera?

A body-worn camera (BWC) is a small, battery powered device, worn on an officer's chest. BWCs are able to record video, audio and still images.

Why does the Fitchburg Police Department use body-worn cameras?

The Fitchburg Police Department firmly believes in transparency and accountability in order to build and maintain community trust and legitimacy. The department has utilized video cameras in squad cars and Tasers for many years and believes body-worn cameras will complement existing technology and community policing efforts to further build trust and legitimacy. 

Body-worn camera use has been identified in both national and local reports on modern policing as a means to improve policing as it relates to transparency, accountability and trust. You can read more about the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing and the United Way of Dane County Special Community/Police Task Force reports below.

What did the Fitchburg Police Department do to study the use of body-worn cameras?

Funding for the body-worn camera project was allocated by the Fitchburg City Council in late 2015. In early 2016, a committee comprised of supervisory staff and officers was formed to examine body-worn camera technology and policy. The committee reviewed best practices and policies from around the country.  

Committee members and additional officers also conducted field-testing of five different body camera models from three different manufacturers. Following the testing and evaluation of BWC units, committee members developed a draft policy 

In October 2016, the committee held a series of community listening sessions to share their work with the community and to solicit feedback regarding the program. You can learn more about these sessions below. 

What do officers record with their body-worn cameras?

Officers record all contacts with citizens while performing their official duties. In other words, if an officer responds to a call, makes a traffic stop, or is performing a law enforcement related task, they will be recording the event.  

Where are officers allowed to record?

Officers record their official duties in public areas and areas held for public use (i.e. a business open to the public). If an officer is in an area with an expectation of privacy (a residence), they will inform the person(s) in control of that private area of the recording. If a request is made to end the recording by a person(s) with control over the area (i.e. a resident of a home or apartment) and absent of certain circumstances (i.e. they are about to make an arrest or they believe a crime was committed by person(s) present at the time), the recording will stop. 

How will I know if I am being recorded?

If you are speaking with an officer and you are in a public place or place held for public use, you should assume you are being recorded. Officers will not generally inform you they are recording.

If you are in an area with an expectation of privacy (your home), officers will notify you of the recording as soon as it is safe to do so.

What if I don't want to be recorded?

Officers are required to record all interactions with citizens while they are performing their duties if they are in a public place or place held for public use. If an officer informs you of a recording while they are in a private space (your home) and you ask them to stop recording, they will under most circumstances (see "Where are officers allowed to record?").

Can I review a recording I am in?

Body-worn camera footage is currently subject to Wisconsin Public Records Laws. A request to receive a copy of the footage can be submitted as with any other police record. Citizens will not be able/allowed to view footage at the scene of an incident.

How long will recordings be retained?

Video recordings that do not have evidentiary value will be retained for a minimum of 180 days. If a recording is not associated with an arrest or major incident it will be removed the server following the general minimum retention period. Recordings associated with arrests or major incidents are saved indefinitely. 

Can the recordings be manipulated or edited?

The original recordings are protected against manipulation and editing. Officers can only view or copy the recording.

If an officer accidentally records an event (i.e. it records in a restroom or while on break) they can submit a written request to the Chief for review and consideration to be deleted. All deleted files will be logged.