Minnesota law enforcement held accountable with use of Tasers?

This evening I did a program on how to use the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act to gain access to body camera video.  In the discussion there was a question asked, if a Taser or an energy-conducted weapon is used to stun or subdue a person is that video public?

Under current Minnesota law (13.825) substantial bodily harm is a standard that is used to allow public access to body camera video.  Therefore I made a request to the City Of Minneapolis as follows:

"Dear Mr. Carl:

Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, I wish to review and inspect all government data documenting use of tasers (energy conducted weapons-ECW) by the Minneapolis Police Department from 2015 through July, 2017.  The request to review and inspect all government data would include, but not limited to, any body camera footage or documentation specific to the use of the ECW.

Any questions do not hesitate to call or contact me.

Regards,

Rich Neumeister"

We will see what happens.

How to get bodycam video with Minnesota law

On September 11, 2017, Saint Paul-based non-profit Public Record Media (PRM) will host a Freedom of Information (FOI) workshop at the North Regional Library in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The event will be held in the library’s North Regional Meeting Room, and will run from 6:30pm-8:00pm.  The North Regional Library is located at 1315 Lowry Ave. N. in Minneapolis.

The workshop will explore how members of the public can use Minnesota’s Data Practices Act to obtain government records of interest to them.  Body camera footage will be used as an example of government data that requesters can obtain, and a discussion of issues related to body camera footage will be held.  The presentation will feature comments by Rich Neumeister, a long-time record requester and open government advocate. 

The event is free to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring ideas for their own public record requests.  RSVPs are encouraged by calling 651-556-1381, as space is limited.

Public Record Media is a Minnesota-based non-profit organization that conducts public record-centered publication, legal work, and education. Since 2014, PRM has hosted public record trainings throughout the state.

Mr. N goes to Washington

I have been coming to Washington DC since 1972.  When I first came to the District of Columbia, Richard Nixon was President, there were demonstrations in the streets about the war, the Vietnam War; environmental issues started to get the whole attention of Congress with the passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972 (later in the year); Watergate had not happened yet; and J Edgar Hoover was still alive.

Man, time has gone fast.  I have come to the City to work, live, and visit over the last 45 years and still inspired and excited to be here.  But, to where I can have the most impact on policies and laws it is at the local and state level.  That is where my heart is. Yes, Mr. Neumeister has come to Washington for another time.  But the purpose is to teach people about the possibilities they can have to make a difference.  I know they can.......