There have been numerous instances of members getting caught up in IAB investigations regarding the dissemination/disclosure of confidential Department information. To be clear, under the Patrol Guide and the Disciplinary Matrix, dissemination of body-worn camera (“BWC”) footage and other Department reports, photos, or data, is considered disseminating confidential information which will result in disciplinary action by the Department.
Be advised that the Department Advocate (in consultation with the PC’s Office) is directing that any member who receives and then sends/forwards that video and/or photograph to someone else will be issued a Schedule “C” command discipline. This will be the case even if the person to whom you send the video is another MOS. Likewise, this will be the case even if you are not the one to have originally, improperly downloaded the footage. If the disclosure is to a member of the press/news media, moreover, charges and specifications will be served with a presumptive penalty of 30 vacation days.
The bottom line is this: do not forward any B/W/C video, photographs, or other media that you receive to anyone. We have all received What’s App, Instagram, or other messages with embarrassing/funny/disgusting body-worn camera footage. Receiving these videos is not the issue; disseminating them to others is the problem. If you are sent any such videos, promptly delete them from your phone. Whatever you do, do not send it to anyone else.
