Mobile_Audio_Video

Policy 421CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/24, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentMobile Audio/Video - 1Mobile Audio/Video 421.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The CSU Police Department has equipped marked patrol cars with Mobile Audio/Video (MAV) recording systems to provide records of events and assist officers in the performance of their duties. This policy provides guidance on the use of these systems. 421.1.1 DEFINITIONS Definitions related to this policy include: Activate - Any process that causes the MAV system to transmit or store video or audio data in an active mode. In-car camera system and Mobile Audio/Video (MAV) system - Synonymous terms which refer to any system that captures audio and video signals, that is capable of installation in a vehicle, and that includes at minimum, a camera, microphone, recorder and monitor. MAV technician -Personnel certified or trained in the operational use and repair of MAVs, duplicating methods, storage and retrieval methods and procedures, and who have a working knowledge of video forensics and evidentiary procedures. Recorded media - Audio-video signals recorded or digitally stored on a storage device or portable media. 421.2 POLICY It is the policy of the CSU Police Department to use mobile audio and video technology to more effectively fulfill the department’s mission and to ensure these systems are used securely and efficiently. 421.3 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES Prior to going into service, each officer will properly equip him/herself to record audio and video in the field. At the end of the shift, each officer will follow the established procedures for providing to the Department any recordings or used media and any other related equipment. Each officer should have adequate recording media for the entire duty assignment. In the event an officer works at a remote location and reports in only periodically, additional recording media may be issued. Only CSU Police Department identified and labeled media with tracking numbers is to be used. At the start of each shift, officers should test the MAV system’s operation in accordance with manufacturer specifications and department operating procedures and training. System documentation is accomplished by the officer recording his/her name, serial number, badge or PIN number and the current date and time at the start and again at the end of each shift. If the system is malfunctioning, the officer shall take the vehicle out of service unless a supervisor requests the vehicle remain in service. CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Mobile Audio/Video Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/24, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentMobile Audio/Video - 2421.4 ACTIVATION OF THE MAV The MAV system is designed to turn on whenever the unit’s emergency lights are activated. The system remains on until it is turned off manually. The audio portion is independently controlled and should be activated manually by the officer whenever appropriate. When audio is being recorded, the video will also record. 421.4.1 REQUIRED ACTIVATION OF MAV This policy is not intended to describe every possible situation in which the MAV system may be used, although there are many situations where its use is appropriate. An officer may activate the system any time the officer believes it would be appropriate or valuable to document an incident. In some circumstances it is not possible to capture images of the incident due to conditions or the location of the camera. However, the audio portion can be valuable evidence and is subject to the same activation requirements as the MAV. The MAV system should be activated in any of the following situations: (a)All field contacts involving actual or potential criminal conduct within video or audio range: 1.Traffic stops (to include, but not limited to, traffic violations, stranded motorist assistance and all crime interdiction stops) 2.Priority responses 3.Vehicle pursuits 4.Suspicious vehicles 5.Arrests 6.Vehicle searches 7.Physical or verbal confrontations or use of force 8.Pedestrian checks 9.DWI/DUI investigations including field sobriety tests 10.Consensual encounters 11.Crimes in progress 12.Responding to an in-progress call (b)All self-initiated activity in which an officer would normally notify the Communications Center (c)Any call for service involving a crime where the recorder may aid in the apprehension and/or prosecution of a suspect: 1.Domestic violence calls 2.Disturbance of peace calls CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Mobile Audio/Video Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/24, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentMobile Audio/Video - 33.Offenses involving violence or weapons (d)Any other contact that becomes adversarial after the initial contact in a situation that would not otherwise require recording (e)Any other circumstance where the officer believes that a recording of an incident would be appropriate 421.4.2 CESSATION OF RECORDING Once activated, the MAV system should remain on until the incident has concluded. For purposes of this section, conclusion of an incident has occurred when all arrests have been made, arrestees have been transported and all witnesses and victims have been interviewed. Recording may cease if an officer is simply waiting for a tow truck or a family member to arrive, or in other similar situations. Members shall cease audio recording whenever necessary to ensure conversations are not recorded between a person in custody and the person’s attorney, religious advisor or physician, unless there is explicit