Bodycams have become an important tool for promoting transparency and de-escalation in the deployment of security forces. A key technology integrated into these devices is so-called pre-recording. This function allows the camera to constantly record the last few seconds or minutes, even if the record button has not yet been pressed. This can be crucial for documenting important events before the camera is activated.
What is Pre-Recording?
Pre-recording is a function in bodycams in which the camera continuously saves a certain period of time before the actual recording. This period of time can usually be between 15 seconds and 2 minutes, depending on the camera model and settings. If the recording function is activated manually, the previously recorded seconds are also saved. Otherwise, they are deleted automatically. This technique ensures that the context prior to an incident is also recorded, which can be of great importance for the reconstruction of events and for evidence purposes.
Police laws and regulations in Europe
There are specific regulations in the respective countries that govern the use of bodycams by the police. These police laws cover various aspects, including the use of the pre-recording function. In Germany, for example, each state’s police force has its own regulations for the use of body cameras, but these are generally limited by data protection law and the right to informational self-determination. It is important that police officers act transparently and proportionately, which means that they must provide information about the use of the cameras and ensure that the recordings are stored securely and only used for legitimate purposes.
Application in the private sector
Bodycams with a pre-recording function are also increasingly being used in the private sector, particularly in security services, logistics and retail. Companies use this technology to ensure the safety of their employees, prevent theft and document incidents. Similar data protection regulations apply here as in the public sector, particularly with regard to informing the persons concerned and the secure storage of data. The use of bodycams by private companies must be measured against Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f) GDPR in terms of data protection law. Companies must ensure that the use of bodycams is transparent and in accordance with the applicable data protection laws. This often means that information is provided about the recording and that clear guidelines are in place on how the recordings are used and stored. In some cases, it is necessary to obtain the consent of employees or customers, especially in situations where privacy may be at risk.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to address any legal issues or problems that may arise in individual cases. The information on this website is of a general nature and is provided for informational purposes only. If you need legal advice for your individual situation, you should seek the advice of a qualified lawyer.