The Denver Department of Public Safety will save its jail surveillance video for longer periods of time in response to complaints from inmate attorneys and the city’s independent monitor. In most circumstances, video footage from the jail will be saved a minimum of five years.
Prior to the change, video from jail security cameras was held for only 30 days. Critics claimed crucial video evidence was most likely erased before inmates could file a claim.
“This is a good move," said Mark Silverstein, legal director for ACLU Colorado. "It improves the possibility that there is going to be video there that investigators either within or without the sheriff’s department can look at to either corroborate or even to refute a complaint that’s made.”
The department also plans to hire a dedicated person to review, download and preserve the footage.
