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Independent audit finds Mankato body‑worn camera program substantially compliant with Minnesota law
Summary
An independent, state‑mandated audit found the Mankato Department of Public Safety’s body‑worn camera program “substantially compliant” with Minnesota statutes covering policy, retention, access and discipline. The audit covered the program’s inception through Oct. 21, 2024; the department said it will share practices with other agencies.
The Mankato City Council heard results of a state‑mandated independent audit of the Mankato Department of Public Safety’s body‑worn camera program and was told the program is “substantially compliant” with Minnesota law.
Director Jeremy Clifton told the council Rampart Audit LLC reviewed the department’s policies, procedures and operations and sampled body‑worn camera data covering the program’s inception through Oct. 21, 2024. “In our opinion, Mankato Department of Public Safety's body worn camera program is substantially compliant with Minnesota statutes 13.825 and 626.8473,” Clifton said, reading the auditor’s conclusion and noting the department received a certificate of compliance included in the meeting packet.
The audit examined written policy, data retention and destruction, data access and classification, compliance and disciplinary requirements. Clifton told the council Rampart highlighted the department’s practices as examples other agencies may study and offered to share lessons Mankato learned in implementing the program.
Council members asked procedural questions about the audit firm. Council member Metler asked whether Rampart audits other agencies; Clifton said the firm works with several agencies in southern Minnesota and that similar audits may appear soon for neighboring jurisdictions.
No formal council action was taken on the audit report at the meeting; Clifton opened the floor for questions and then moved on to other agenda items. The department said it will continue regular reporting and compliance work tied to state statute requirements for body‑worn camera systems.
The audit summary and certificate remain part of the council packet.
Clifton and City Manager Susan Arnds presented the audit results during an appearance and presentation segment of the meeting, and Clifton answered follow‑up questions from council members.
