Yes to Public Information, and Yes to Privacy Protections

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Hilary Ruley joins Kevin Kinnally and  Michael Sanderson to explain why new and evolving technologies like body-worn cameras present unique challenges under Maryland's Public Information Act and the need for more balanced rules for releasing body-worn camera footage --  one that preserves transparency and accountability while protecting victims, families, and witnesses. Hilary Ruley is the chief solicitor at the Baltimore City Law Department.2023 MACo Legislative Initiative: Centralized Resources for Body-Worn CamerasState law will soon require body-worn cameras for all law enforcement officers, but advancing this goal remains elusive. Requiring each agency, no matter how small, to create its regime for equipment procurement, footage storage, and redaction policies invites widespread duplication of effort. Moreover, requiring state laws regarding wide-open public access to the footage presents an ominous burden on custodians to carefully redact material to protect victims, families, and witnesses.MACo advocates for a smoother deployment of this critical technology, including an opt-in State/local partnership for the equipment and services and more balanced rules for releasing body-worn camera footage.The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.Previous Conduit Street CoverageMACo Announces 2023 Legislative InitiativesPodcast: Back to Basics: MACo's Top Issues