Body-Worn_Cameras

Policy 434CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/10, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentBody-Worn Cameras - 1Body-Worn Cameras 434.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the use of a body-worn camera (BWC) by members of this department and for the access, use, and retention of department BWC media. The provisions of this policy, including notice, documentation, access, and retention, also apply to other portable audio/video recording devices used by members, where applicable. This policy does not apply to undercover operations, wiretaps, or eavesdropping (concealed listening devices). 434.1.1 DEFINITIONS Definitions related to this policy include: Activate - To place a BWC in active mode (also called event mode). In active mode, the BWC records both video and audio. BWC media - The video, audio, and images captured by department BWCs and the associated metadata. BWC media systems - Any software, including web-based programs and mobile applications, used by the Department to upload/download, store, view, transfer, and otherwise maintain BWC media. Deactivate - To place a BWC in buffering mode (also called ready or pre-event mode). In buffering mode, the BWC records video (without audio) in short, predetermined intervals that are retained only temporarily. However, when a BWC is activated, the interval recorded immediately prior to activation is then stored as part of the BWC media. Deactivate does not mean powering off the BWC. Event - A general term referring to a set of circumstances that may, but does not necessarily, correlate directly to a single public safety incident. 434.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Department to use BWCs and BWC media for evidence collection and to accurately document events in a way that promotes member safety and department accountability and transparency while also protecting the privacy of members of the public. A violation of this policy subjects the member to discipline (Penal Code § 832.18) (see the Personnel Complaints Policy). 434.3 RESPONSIBILITIES 434.3.1 BWC COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES The Chief of Police or the authorized designee should delegate certain responsibilities to a BWC coordinator. CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Body-Worn Cameras Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/10, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentBody-Worn Cameras - 2The responsibilities of the coordinator include (Penal Code § 832.18): (a)Serving as a liaison between the Department and the BWC manufacturer/distributor and any third-party media storage vendor. (b)Developing inventory procedures for issuing and tracking BWC equipment, including properly marking BWCs as property of the Department and recording the date each BWC is placed into or taken out of service. (c)Assisting with troubleshooting and maintenance of BWC equipment and media systems and, when necessary, coordinating the repair or replacement of BWCs. 1.All equipment and system malfunctions and their resolutions should be documented, and maintenance and repair records should be maintained for all BWCs. (d)Managing BWC media systems so that: 1.Access is limited to the minimum necessary authorized users and user privileges are restricted to those necessary for the member to conduct assigned department duties. 2.Security requirements, such as two-factor authentication and appropriate password parameters, are in place for user credentials. (e)Configuring BWC media systems, or developing manual procedures, so that media is appropriately categorized and retained according to the event type tagged by members. (f)Retaining audit logs or records of all access, alteration, and deletion of BWC media and media systems, and conducting periodic audits to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and department policy. (g)Developing and updating BWC training for members who are assigned a BWC or given access to BWC media systems. (h)Coordinating with the community relations coordinator to (see the Community Relations Policy): 1.Provide the public with notice of the department's use of BWCs (e.g., posting on the department website or social media pages). 2.Gain insight into community expectations regarding BWC use. (i)Coordinating with the Records Supervisor to (see the Records Bureau and Records Maintenance and Release policies): 1.Determine and apply proper retention periods to BWC media. Agency legal counsel should be consulted in determining retention periods. 2.Develop procedures for the appropriate release of BWC media. (j)Coordinating with the Evidence Room to develop procedures for the transfer, storage, and backup of evidentiary BWC media (see the Evidence Room Policy). (k)Establishing a system to prevent tampering with, deleting, or copying recordings, and to ensure chain of custody integrity. CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Body-Worn Cameras Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/10, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentBody-Worn Cameras - 3(l)Designating the persons responsible for downloading the recorded data from the BWC. (m)Completing an annual administrative review of the BWC program and providing it to the Chief of Police for review. 434.3.2 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES Every member issued a BWC is responsible for its proper use, safekeeping, and maintenance (Penal Code § 832.18). Members shall not be