The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office will purchase body-worn cameras in the near future and is seeking public comments about the project.

According to a press release, the Sheriff’s Office is  in the process of building its policy and procedures for the cameras based off the 2016 legislation that was passed. Licensed and non-licensed deputies will utilize the cameras during their shifts both on the road and in the detention center.

Body-worn cameras promote transparency and will continue to build on trust and strengthen relationships they have with the community, the release stated.

The Sheriff’s Office will follow all of the data practice and privacy laws pertaining to video release and retention set forth by Minnesota State Statute 13.825.

Those who would like to comment on the project or have questions can email BodyCam@co.freeborn.mn.us. The email address will be live until Oct. 19. Those who don’t have access to email can mail a letter to Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Body Worn Cameras, 411 Broadway Ave. S, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

The next opportunity for public comment will be at a county board meeting, the release said, although a date for the meeting has not been announced.