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Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Mobile Audio/Video - 1 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Mobile Audio/Video 423.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Santa Monica Police Department has designated marked patrol cars equipped 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. 423.1.1 DEFINITIONS Definitions r elated 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, audio recorder and monitor. MAV System Administrator -Personnel certified or trained in the operational use and repair of MAVs, duplicating m ethods, 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. 423.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Santa Monica 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. 423.3 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES Members shall perform a test of the in -car camera system prior to going in service for each shift and verify the system is properly recording video and audio. Members discovering malfunctioning equipment shall notify their immediate supervisor. The receiving supervisor shall ensure the MAV System Administrator is promptly notified of the malfunction. Each member shall properly equip him/herself with any Department -issued audio and/or video recorders. Members shall be responsible for maintaining any video/audio equipment issued to them, and shall ensure the equipment is: (a) Fully charged prior to the start of each shift. (b) Synchronized with the vehicles in -car camera system. (c) Properly worn to ensure the clear reception of audio. Members working uniformed details or assignments in which the vehicle is a primary component of their duties shall use vehicles equipped with in-car cameras. All members using vehicles equipped with in -car cameras shall utilize the in -car camera system and ensure they are accurately loggedPolicy 423 Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Mobile Audio/Video - 2 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Mobile Audio/Video into the corresponding system. Supervisors may assign vehicles equipped with the in-car camera system as necessary. Members shall ensure the windshield and camera lens are free of debris and that the front camera provides a clear and unobstructed forward view capable of capturing a vehicle in front of the police vehicle, including occupants and approaching officers. Officers may use the zoom feature when applicable. Under normal circumstances, the zoom should be maintained at the level affording the widest field of view. 423.4 ACTIVATION OF THE MAV The in- car camera system activates automatically video when any one of the following conditions exist: (a) Activation of the solid/steady red take down light. (b) The vehicle exceeds a specific speed limit as determined by the Chief of Police. (c) The vehicle is involved in a traffic collision of sufficient force to cause activation. (d) The officer manually activates the system. Upon activation of the system, a pre -determined amount of pre -activation video, without audio, which has been captured in a temporary buffer, will be stored with post -activati on video and audio. 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. 423.4.1 REQUI RED 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. A member may activate the system any time the member believes it would be appropriate or valuable to document an incident. In some circumstances it is not possible to capture images of the incident on an in-car camera due to certain conditions or the location of the camera (i.e. the MAV equipped vehicle is parked on the street, but the radio call is inside an apartment complex). However, any audio/video recordings may become valuable evidence and therefore, MAV activation is subject to the same activation requirements as the Portable Audio/Video Recorders (see Policy Manu al § 423 Portable Audio/ Video Recorders). The MAV system should be activated in any of the following situations: (a) Enforcement encounters where there is a reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in criminal activity or a violation of law, which inc ludes