Monday, September 11, 2017

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.