Md. Code Ann., Correct. Servs. § 8-211
Training, issuance, and use of body-worn cameras by correctional officers
Effective Oct 1, 2025Added by Acts 2025, c. 608, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025; Acts 2025, c. 609, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.State of Maryland
(a) On or before January 1, 2026, the Commission shall adopt regulations for the training, issuance, and use of a body-worn camera by a correctional officer that addresses:
- (1) the testing of body-worn cameras to ensure adequate functioning;
- (2) the procedure for the correctional officer to follow if the camera fails to properly operate at the beginning of or during the correctional officer's shift;
- (3) when recording is mandatory;
- (4) when recording is prohibited;
- (5) when recording is discretionary;
- (6) when recording may require consent of a subject being recorded;
- (7) when a recording may be ended;
- (8) providing notice of recording;
- (9) access to and confidentiality of recordings;
- (10) the secure storage of data from a body-worn camera;
- (11) review and use of recordings;
- (12) retention of recordings;
- (13) dissemination and release of recordings;
- (14) notification requirements when another individual becomes a party to the communication following the initial notification;
- (15) specific protections for individuals when there is an expectation of privacy in private or public places; and
- (16) the procedures for a correctional officer to follow if the correctional officer regularly interacts with members of the public outside as part of the correctional officer's official duties.
- (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each correctional unit shall develop and maintain a written policy consistent with the regulations adopted by the Commission under subsection (a) of this section for the use of body-worn cameras.
(c)
- (1) This subsection applies only to a local correctional facility.
- (2) A local correctional facility may not be required to adopt the use of body-worn cameras by correctional officers.
- (3) If a local correctional facility adopts the use of body-worn cameras, the local correctional facility shall develop and maintain a written policy consistent with the regulations adopted by the Commission under subsection (a) of this section for the use of body-worn cameras.
Added by Acts 2025, c. 608, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025; Acts 2025, c. 609, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.