Council adopts emergency measure to require MPD arrest reporting and documentation when federal officers are present

The Council unanimously adopted emergency legislation (PR26-562) aimed at strengthening arrest reporting requirements and documentation when federal officers are present at arrests or serious uses of force. Councilmember Robert White, sponsor of the measure, said the bill pairs body-worn camera transparency with documentation reforms so accountability does not depend solely on video.

"When law enforcement exercises its most serious powers, arresting someone or using force, there must be a complete and accurate record of the officers present, whether local or federal," Councilmember Robert White said, describing gaps in arrest reports that failed to note shots fired into a resident's car and citing community trauma.

White introduced two amendments: one at the request of the Office of the Attorney General clarifying that noncompliance with reporting standards cannot be used as evidence in civil or criminal proceedings, and a second amendment that removed a contested section so the body-worn camera and reporting measures could proceed collaboratively. Both amendments were accepted without objection.

Supporters from across the council emphasized the need to document names, badge numbers and agency affiliations in arrest reports and to require release of BWC footage when MPD captures federal officers committing serious use of force. Councilmembers cited oversight hearings showing MPD was not tracking federal arrests or documenting federal presence and noted incidents involving Philip Brown and Julian Bailey as part of the rationale.

The emergency declaration and the underlying conforming temporary measure were passed unanimously; sponsors said the work will continue toward permanent reforms to ensure complete contemporaneous records and community oversight.