Credentialed Members of the Press Viewing Crime Scene Photographs and Videos

PURPOSE: This rule sets forth requirements for credentialed members of the press to view crime scene photographs and video recordings closed under section 610.205, RSMo. (1) For purposes of this rule a “bona fide credentialed member of the press” is a member of the press who is acting in their capacity as a reporter and who represents a bona fide media organization, which is an organization that has demonstrable editorial oversight, a verifiable street address and telephone number, and has reported on matters of public concern. (2) Any state or local agency closing crime scene photographs or video recordings pursuant to section 610.205, RSMo, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, shall make those photographs or video recordings viewable to any bona fide credentialed member of the press within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of a written request to the agency’s custodian of records by the bona fide credentialed member of the press to view the photographs or video recordings. The custodian of records shall attempt to notify the next of kin of the written request for viewing within three (3) days not including the day of receipt. (3) The viewing shall be in person and consist of the bona fide credentialed member of the press being shown the photographs or video recordings in the presence of a designated member of the agency. (4) The bona fide credentialed member of the press shall not remove, duplicate, or record—either by audio or video—any material viewed under this rule. AUTHORITY: section 610.205, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed May 17, 2024, effective Jan. 30, 2025. *Original authority: 610.205, RSMo 2016.