Policy Text
Policy
421San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentMobile Audio/Video - 1Mobile Audio/Video
421.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo 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 logging into the MAV at the beginning 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.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Mobile Audio/Video
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo 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
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Mobile Audio/Video
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo 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