For how long must Taser deployment information be maintained by the department?

The requirement to maintain Taser deployment information for three years is based on best practices for accountability and transparency in law enforcement. This time frame allows departments to thoroughly review and analyze data related to deployments, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to address any issues and to assess the use of force within the department. Keeping detailed records for a period of three years also aligns with many legal and operational standards established for law enforcement agencies, facilitating audits and investigations when necessary. This duration balances the need for oversight with considerations about the volume of data and the practicality of maintaining such records.

Longer retention periods, like five years, might not be necessary for most use-of-force incidents, as they could lead to unwieldy record-keeping and potential challenges in managing and analyzing outdated information effectively. Shorter retention periods, such as one or two years, may not provide sufficient time for comprehensive evaluation and could hinder the ability to track trends over time.