Council reviews proposed body‑worn camera policy; police seek funding and vendor decision for 2026 implementation
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Summary
The police chief presented a draft body‑worn camera (BWC) policy based on League model language and asked council for feedback. Staff and council discussed vendor options, costs (estimated $10,000–$15,000 per year for body cameras and about $10,000 to switch in‑car cameras), data classification under state law, and privacy limits for school SROs.
The Kasson City Council on April 1 reviewed a draft body‑worn camera (BWC) policy prepared by the police department and based on League model language and the department’s in‑car camera policy.
Police leadership told the council officers would wear body cameras but that the devices do not record continuously until an officer activates the recording; most systems buffer a short pre‑event period. Staff said their goal is transparency and to capture evidence of incidents—particularly domestic calls that in‑car cameras do not capture once officers enter a residence.
The department is evaluating vendors and described two common procurement models: a bundled ‘‘cameras as a service’’ contract (5–10 year) that includes cameras, software and cloud storage for a predictable annual fee, and a separate-purchase model. Staff estimated the combined cost to implement body‑worn cameras and replace or convert in‑car cameras at about $20,000 in the near term and $10,000–$15,000 per year for ongoing camera and software costs; staff said vendors sometimes offer financing and multi‑year refresh programs.
Council members raised privacy concerns about school resource officer (SRO) footage and were told that video is classified as private data under state law (the policy cites state privacy rules) and that releases are limited to subjects in the recording or as required for a use‑of‑force or other public disclosure. Staff said they would flag files containing legally protected subjects (e.g., minors, undercover officers) consistent with state requirements.
No formal council action was taken; staff said they forwarded vendor quotes to the council and will return with a final vendor recommendation, budget numbers and a public‑hearing schedule for any required ordinance changes. Staff said implementation would likely begin in 2026 but the department could start procurement in 2025 if the council elects to apply budget reserves to accelerate purchase.
