RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

1.10.1 Policy

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center that all sworn and detention personnel shall utilize Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) to document official duties in a manner that promotes transparency, accountability, professionalism, and the preservation of evidence. 

BWCs shall be activated as required by this policy and applicable law. Activation is mandatory in specified circumstances unless a clearly articulated exception applies.

1.10.2 Scope

This policy applies to all sworn officers and detention personnel who are issued or authorized to utilize Body-Worn Cameras within the Randolph County Detention Center.

1.10.3 Definitions

• Body-Worn Camera (BWC): A department-issued audio and video recording device worn on an officer’s person.

• Recording: Any audio, video, or metadata captured by a BWC.

• Privileged Communication: Any communication protected by law, including but not limited to attorney-client, clergy, or medical communications.

1.10.4 Training

A. All officers shall successfully complete BWC training prior to issuance and deployment.
 

B. Training shall include, at a minimum:

• Proper operation, activation, deactivation, uploading, maintenance, and care;

• Mandatory, discretionary, and prohibited recording situations;

• Legal requirements, including privacy rights and evidentiary standards;

• Data storage, retention, and retrieval procedures.

C. Annual refresher training is required and shall address updates in law, policy, and technology.

1.10.5 Procedures

A. Officer Responsibilities

Officers issued a BWC shall:

• Ensure the device is fully charged, operational, and tested at the start of each shift;

• Wear the BWC in a forward-facing, centerline position above the waist to maximize recording capability;

• Immediately report malfunctions and obtain a replacement when available;

• Activate the BWC in accordance with this policy;

• Refrain from tampering with, altering, disabling, or obstructing the device or recordings;

• Upload all recordings to the approved secure evidence management system prior to the end of shift or as directed;

• Properly dock, secure, and store equipment at the end of each shift.

B. Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors shall:

• Ensure compliance with this policy;

• Conduct periodic reviews and audits of BWC usage;

• Ensure timely upload, labeling, and preservation of recordings involving critical incidents;

• Address violations through corrective action, discipline, or further administrative review as appropriate.

C. Mandatory Activation

Officers shall activate BWCs during:

• All detainee contacts and interactions within audio or visual range;

• All use-of-force incidents;

• Any contact with members of the public during official duties;

• The entire booking, intake, and release process;

• Entry into any housing unit or cell block;

• Any situation that may result in enforcement action, disciplinary action, or evidentiary documentation.

Activation shall occur prior to engagement when reasonably practicable.

D. Discretionary Activation

Officers are encouraged to activate BWCs in any situation where recording may:

• Enhance documentation of an incident;

• Support officer safety or detainee safety;

• Provide evidentiary value; or

• Assist in situational awareness or accountability.

E. Deactivation

Recording shall continue until the incident or encounter has concluded. Deactivation is permitted only when:

• Continued recording no longer serves a law enforcement or evidentiary purpose;

• A safety or security concern requires temporary cessation;

• A device malfunction occurs.

Temporary deactivation may occur when:

• Sensitive personal, medical, or confidential information is being discussed;

• During routine non-confrontational transport (unless circumstances change);

• During interactions involving privileged communication (attorney, clergy, medical, or similar).

When feasible, officers shall verbally state the reason for deactivation prior to stopping the recording and document the reason in their report. Recording shall resume as soon as practicable.

F. Prohibited Recording

BWCs shall not be used to record:

• Strip searches under any circumstances;

• Areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., restrooms, shower areas);

• Privileged communications unless incidental and unavoidable;

• Medical or hospital settings without supervisory approval;

• Surreptitious recording of agency personnel without proper authorization or court order;

• Situations where a victim or witness requests not to be recorded, unless circumstances escalate or enforcement action is required.

G. Data Integrity and Security

• All recordings are the property of the Randolph County Detention Center;

• Unauthorized access, duplication, editing, or dissemination is strictly prohibited;

• BWCs shall not be used for personal or non-official purposes;

• Secondary recording devices may not be used to copy or capture BWC footage;

• The uploading of any video from a BWC to any social media account is strictly prohibited;

• Only department-approved systems shall be used for storage, retrieval, and review.

H. Review of Recordings

Recordings may be accessed for:

• Report writing, case preparation, and testimony;

• Supervisory review and performance evaluation;

• Internal, administrative, civil, or criminal investigations;

• Court proceedings pursuant to lawful process;

• Training purposes with supervisory approval.

Recordings shall not be used for ridicule, harassment, or any non-official purpose.

Release of recordings to external entities shall comply with applicable law and be authorized by the Sheriff or Chief Deputy, or designee.

I. Retention

• Recordings shall be retained a minimum of 180 days, unless otherwise required by law or evidentiary need;

• Recordings related to investigations, complaints, or litigation shall be retained until final disposition;

• Recordings involving capital or serious felony cases shall be retained until the offender is no longer under criminal justice supervision;

• Officers shall ensure timely upload of all recordings prior to the end of each shift.

1.10.6 Compliance and Audit

A. Supervisors shall conduct documented, periodic audits of BWC usage and compliance.
 

B. Failure to activate, improper deactivation, or misuse shall be investigated for policy compliance.
 

C. Violations may result in corrective action, discipline, or referral for criminal prosecution when applicable.

1.10.7 Evidence Tampering

Any alteration, deletion, unauthorized access, or interference with BWC recordings or equipment is strictly prohibited and may constitute Tampering with Evidence under applicable law. Such violations shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination and criminal prosecution.

1.10.8 Effective Date

This policy shall become effective upon approval and supersedes all prior directives, procedures, or policies relating to Body-Worn Cameras within the Randolph County Detention Center.