Before implementing its body-worn camera (BWC) program in the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, officials are seeking public comment. The program commences on January 1, 2026. Comments may be submitted to the sheriff by US mail or email before November 25. Additionally, the County Commissioners will hear public comments about the program at their regularly scheduled board meeting, which begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Cook County Courthouse.
The written draft policy is now available for review on the sheriff’s department page. Public feedback is crucial in shaping the final BWC policy. Public comments may be submitted to patrick.eliasen@co.cook.mn.us or mailed/dropped off at the law enforcement center, 143 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
The key development in the use of Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) for law enforcement in Minnesota was the passage of Minn. Stat. § 626.8473, which established statewide rules governing their use and, crucially, the data they collect. Some Minnesota law enforcement agencies began using BWCs in the early 2010s as the technology became more affordable and reliable. The primary stated goal was to increase accountability for both officers and the public, and to provide objective evidence for investigations.
The rapid, unregulated adoption of BWCs sparked significant public and legal debate, primarily centered on data privacy concerns. Activist groups and privacy advocates raised concerns about the vast amounts of footage being collected and stored, notably footage of private citizens who were not suspected of crimes. In response, the Minnesota Legislature passed a comprehensive bill in 2016, Minn. Stat. § 626.8473, establishing state wide regulations.
The statute classified BWC data as private data on individuals unless it documents an active police investigation, a police intervention, or a specific interaction (like a traffic stop or use of force). The law establishes specific, narrow circumstances under which BWC footage may be released to the public.
Since 2016, the statute has been subject to ongoing debate and amendments in the legislature, particularly in the wake of high-profile incidents. The primary pressure has been to increase the transparency and accessibility of BWC data, often clashing with the original privacy-focused intentions of the 2016 legislation.
Most major Minnesota law enforcement agencies utilize BWCs, and Cook County’s proposed BWC policy adheres to the requirements outlined in the law.
