Saint Peter P.D.

- Minnesota treats body-worn camera data as portable recording system data under the MGDP Act. By default, BWC data are private/nonpublic, with several important public-release exceptions (e.g., data documenting a discharge of a firearm or use of force resulting in substantial harm; data presented as evidence in court; data documenting an officer-involved death with a 14-day release rule; and data subject access with redactions as required). Data subjects may access data about themselves and may request copies or public release (with redactions for non-consenting data subjects). Agencies may release not-public data if it would aid law enforcement, promote public safety, or dispel rumor; the agency must follow statutory procedures and may be subject to administrative or judicial oversight. Public comment and written policy are required before adopting BWCs; agencies must retain and audit data biennially. In 2025, Minnesota expanded access by allowing unredacted copies to collision-report recipients under new law. Researchers should review Minn. Stat. 13.825, 13.82, 626.8473, the DPS BWC policy, and Advisory Opinion 22-003 for current practice and interpretation. See sources cited above for specifics.