MN SF61

Requires peace officers equipped with portable recording systems to immediately seize recordings at the end of their work shift when involved in, witnessing, or within range of any use of deadly force or related criminal investigation.

Prohibits law enforcement agencies from altering, erasing, or destroying recordings made by peace officer portable recording systems before the applicable retention period expires under section 13.825, subdivision 3.

Mandates release of unedited deadly force recordings to the deceased individual's next of kin, legal representative, or other parent of the individual's children within 48 hours of an incident resulting in death, regardless of investigatory status.

Allows recordings of deadly force to be released to family members and legal representatives even if classified as investigatory records or compiled for law enforcement purposes.

Establishes civil penalty of exemplary damages ranging from twice the minimum to twice the maximum allowable damages under section 13.08 for willful violations by law enforcement agencies.