For 911 and administrative call recordings, how long must the material be preserved?

The preservation period for 911 and administrative call recordings is specifically set at two years. This duration is established to ensure that the recordings are available for necessary audits, investigations, or legal proceedings that may arise from incidents involving law enforcement activities.

Maintaining recordings for this period balances the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations while also managing storage resources effectively. It is important for departments to have access to this information for any inquiries or reviews that may occur within the two-year timeframe after an incident.

This standard aligns with many best practices in law enforcement agencies where documentation and evidence retention policies necessitate safeguarding critical recordings to uphold the integrity of the investigation process and maintain public trust.