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A BWC is a relatively small device which is attached to an officer's uniform and records interactions between community members and the police officer. Cameras capture both audio and video through a forward facing view camera. The recordings are then downloaded onto a digital storage platform where the encrypted evidence can be managed.

The BWCs include a front-facing screen, one-touch record button, and up to 12 hours of battery life. A dashboard camera is affixed to the vehicle, therefore only capturing images from the front of the vehicle. BWCs allow the footage to accompany the officer's movements. Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTVs) are also stationary systems that monitor public spaces, without audio, for crimes in progress.

• A BWC does not follow an officer's eyes or see as they see.
• Camera speeds differ from real life.
• An officer's body may block the camera.
• A camera can never replace a thorough investigation.
• Cameras may not see as well as the human eye in low light.
• The camera only provides one angle of a scene.

The video and audio recordings captured by BWCs can be used by law enforcement to:

• Demonstrate transparency and openness with the community.
• Document statements, observations, behaviors, and other evidence.
• Deter unprofessional, illegal, or inappropriate behaviors by both law enforcement and the public.

According to the Police Executive Research Forum, departments that have begun deploying BWCs have reported improvement in the performance of officers as well as conduct of community members who are recorded. They have also found benefits in preventing and resolving complaints as well as with officer training and performance.

Officers are prohibited from accessing recorded data for personal use and from uploading data to public websites. The body camera technology ensures that users cannot delete or overwrite footage, and the embedded encryptions make all footage restricted except on authorized computers. Additionally, a digital fingerprint tracks the file's chain-of-custody from the moment of capture.

A formal request must be submitted to the University Police Services Records Department, which will be reviewed with consideration to protect the privacy of rights of everyone involved in an incident. Select video footage may be redacted to maintain the privacy of an individual. The department must provide clear reasoning for declining to release a video.

Policy states that with every citizen contact an officer must activate the BWC to ensure there is no ambiguity regarding the purpose of the stop; whether it be consensual contact, investigative inquiry, or an arrest for probable cause. Officers are encouraged to let people know they are recording, to encourage elevated behaviors on both sides, and help to deescalate a potential situation.

In some cases, yes, depending on the victim, the crime, and/or the location of the incident. There is a delicate balance involved which considers the evidentiary value of a recorded statement and the interests of a victim or witness who would prefer not have their images recorded. This discretion is guided by a carefully crafted policy.

Nevada is a two-party consent state. Therefore, if the victim is a child or requests not to be videotaped, the camera can be turned off. If an officer has consensual contact in the home of an individual where no crime is in progress, the camera can also be turned off to respect the privacy of an individual. However, if the officer is involved in an investigative detention or is enforcing an incident, the camera will remain on.

No, BWC footage is considered public record. Video is retained for 21 days unless it contains footage of a significant incident or crime, in which case it is submitted and retained as evidence. The retention period is based on the NSHE record retention policy governed by Nevada state law.