A new level of society-wide transparency has accompanied rapid technological developments in recent years. In particular, the ability to record and livestream events as they occur and  individuals’ ability to engage in immediate and widespread public expression through social media has made countless interactions and conversations that were once private readily available for public view.

This has presented law enforcement agencies with new opportunities in identifying suspects, solving crimes and holding officers accountable to agency standards of conduct by way of internal affairs investigations.  But it has also presented these agencies with significant challenges.  Most notable of these challenges is a level of transparency and scrutiny for officers—on and off the job—that is unprecedented.

Significant liability and public relations issues are emerging due to the practical and policy challenges associated with body-worn cameras, the ease with which officers are recorded in the field and the ability of officers to share controversial opinions and workplace grievances to a public audience through social media.

This evolving landscape necessitates training that incorporates the latest statutory legal developments, court decisions and relevant case studies from throughout the country.  This course will prepare law enforcement professionals to craft and implement policies that reflect an understanding of these areas of increasing legal liability.

Body-Worn Cameras:

• Utilizing body-worn camera footage as a tool for early warning, early intervention and re-training of officers
• Managing the public release of body-worn camera footage—standard operating procedure versus emergency plan for protection of life and property
• Understanding state-specific open records laws and their impact on the handling of body-worn camera footage

Civilian Recordings:

• Acknowledging civilians’ constitutional right to record
• Taking the cell phone out of the equation—easier said than done
• Knowing the limits on the right to record—reasonable time, place and manner
• Preparing officers for the new reality of heightened transparency in the field

Social Media:

• Recognizing officers’ freedom of speech rights in the age of social media
• Understanding Conduct Unbecoming standards and how they apply to social media
• Saving officers from themselves through preventative training and clear policies and procedures