Policy Text
Policy
422Brea Police Department
Brea PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/02/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Brea Police DepartmentBody-Worn and In-Car Camera Systems - 1Body-Worn and In-Car Camera Systems
422.1 PURPOSE. SCOPE, AND AUTHORITY
This policy is intended to provide guidelines for usage of body worn cameras (BWC) and in-
car video systems. This policy and its prescribed procedures apply to any department employee
assigned a BWC or who operates a department vehicle equipped with an in-car camera system.
The provisions of this policy are subject to all applicable federal, state, local laws and ordinances.
Marked patrol cars will be equipped with video recording systems. The BWC and in-car camera
systems are integrated with each other and have the ability to activate each other. This policy will
provide guidance on the use of both of these systems.
Where applicable, the procedures related to one system will apply to the other.
422.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Body Worn Camera: A body worn camera is a small body worn device with an integrated camera
and audio system. BWC files, including photographs, audio recordings and video footage are
stored digitally on the device until the device connects to the server.
In-Car Camera System: Any system that captures audio and video signals, that is capable of
installation in a vehicle, and that includes at minimum, a camera, recorder and monitor.
422.2 PURPOSES & OBJECTIVES OF THE BWC AND IN-CAR CAMERA PROGRAM
The department recognizes that audio and video recording of contacts between department
personnel and the public provides an objective record of these events. The BWC and in-car
camera systems complement field personnel in the performance of their duties by providing a
digital record of enforcement and investigative field contacts. A recording of an event or contact
also enables the delivery of timely, relevant, and appropriate training to maximize safety for our
employees and improve the provision of services to the community.
While recordings obtained from a BWC and/or in-car camera provide an objective record of these
events, it is understood that captured video recordings do not necessarily reflect the experience or
state of mind of the individual employee(s) in a given incident. Moreover, the video recording has
limitations and may depict events differently than the events recalled by the involved employee.
Specifically, it is understood that the video systems may capture information that may not have
been heard and/or observed by the involved employee(s), and may not capture information heard
and/or observed by the employee(s). In addition, video captures two-dimensional images, which
may be different from a person's three-dimensional observations about depth, distance, and
positional location. Lighting as seen in a video may be different than what is seen by the human
eye, and different angles of view may contribute to different perceptions. In addition, human visual
acuity and perception are inferior to a camera’s, and human perception can be skewed or distorted
by the presence of high stress.
Brea Police Department
Brea PD Policy Manual
Body-Worn and In-Car Camera Systems
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/02/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Brea Police DepartmentBody-Worn and In-Car Camera Systems - 2BWC and in-car camera recording perspectives must be considered with all other available
evidence, such as officer statements, witness and suspect statements, involved party statements,
forensic analysis, and all other documentary evidence when evaluating the recorded incident.
As used in this Policy, the terms “data” and /or “recording(s)” shall both mean and include all video
content, data, and metadata recorded using any BWC or in-car camera, as applicable.
The purposes and objectives of the department's BWC and in-car camera programs are as follows:
•Collect evidence for use in criminal investigations.
•Enhance the quality of cases submitted and evidence collected by the department for
prosecution.
•Reduce officer case preparation and court time.
•Provide a resource to employees in completing reports and testifying in criminal
proceedings.
•Enhance officer safety by reducing the incidents of criminal activity, violent public
interactions, and interference with employees in the performance of their duties.
•Promote accountability and enhance public trust and confidence in the performance
of employees.
•Deter and minimize the incidents of false complaints and false allegations of
misconduct by members of the public against the department.
•Provide data to assist the department in evaluating and improving department
practices, tactics, strategy, officer training and safety practices, and police-community
relations.
422.3 RIGHTS OF THE DEPARTMENT
The rights of the department include:
•Except as otherwise provided by law, including the California Public Records Act
(“CPRA”), subpoenas, and/or other civil and criminal discovery process, BWC and
in-car camera equipment and all data collected using these systems is considered
property of the department and a confidential investigative record.
•BWC and in-car camera equipment and all data files and recordings are for official
use only and shall not be utilized for personal use.
•Data shall not be copied, released, or disseminated in any form or manner outside the
requirements of this policy.
•Only authorized employees shall use or be in possession of a BWC device, data, or
files.
•Employees have no expectation of privacy or ownership interest related to any BWC
or in-car camera recordings.
Brea Police Department
Brea PD Policy Manual
Body-Worn and In-Car Camera Systems
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/02/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Brea Police