Mobile Recording Systems

Tarpon Springs Police Department Mobile Recording System General Order # 296 Effective Date: March 15, 2022 Amends: 295 7/2019 Chief Jeffrey P. Young 296.01 POLICY The Tarpon Springs Police Department recognizes that the nature of police work involves officers performing their duties and responsibilities in settings that can often be misinterpreted. The mobile recording system is an independent observer. The data collected and produced may be used in court proceedings, civil litigation or for the resolution of allegations of violations of department policy, rules and regulations. They are to be regarded as a valuable training tool, providing the opportunity for independent revie w and constructive instruction. Most of all, the system is an officer safety device. 296.02 PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to define the operational guidelines of the mobile recording systems. This includes definitions, procedure, equipment specificatio ns, repair, administrative control, and the control and management of the digital media. To comply with Florida State Statues 119.071 and 943.1718 296.03 DEFINITIONS: Activation - The Mobile Recording System is powered on and is recording. Automatic Activation – Includes Bluetooth or WiFi triggers which will activate a BWC without manual intervention to include, but not limited to, simultaneous in car camera activation via triggers. Body -Worn Camera (BWC) – The Department issued digital audio and video recording equipment worn on the exterior clothing of a sworn police officer. Category – For purposes of this policy, an officer selected designation entered into the computer interface which determines the length of time the recording is stored by the Department. The categories and retention schedules are established by the Mobile Video System Unit (MVSU). Deactivation – The Mobile Recording System is powered on, but is not recording. The BWC is maintaining a 30 second video buffer so in the event it is activated, the previous 30 seconds of video only will be included in the recording. Designated repair officer - Officer or civilian employee designated by the Chief of Police or their designee to handle or coordinate repairs and maintenance of the mobil e recording system equipment and components. Docking – The act of placing the BWC into the charging and upload device. General Order #296 2 Evidence/Footage – Describes any type of material or media captured through Mobile Recording System equipment (i.e. cameras, tablets, computers, etc.) and/or any material or media that has been uploaded into the software management system maintained by the Mobile Video Systems Unit (MVSU) (i.e. scanned documents, uploaded photographs, etc.) In car video camera – Device mounted towards the front of the patrol car designed to video record outside of the front of the patrol car. A separate device located inside of the equipped patrol car designed to video record the back seat (secured) area of the patrol car. Microphone – Device located inside of the patrol car and on the officer’s body designed to record audio from inside and outside of the patrol car. This device may be incorporated into the BWC. Mobile Recording System MRS -A set of components that is easily transported linking various pieces of visual and audio recording equipment together. A combination of the in-car recording system as well as the BWC system. Mobile Recording Device -An instrument utilized for the gathering of visual images and audio signals in various formats. Mobile Video Systems Unit (MVSU) – The MVSU position is assigned by the Chief or their designee. The MVSU is responsible to oversee the maintenance of the MRS equipment, storage of all audio and video recordings, facilitation of MRS training, and making recommendations regarding equipment procurement and assignment. Viewing – The review of MRS evidence in any form. This may be via the software management system, through a viewing device or platform (currently an issued computer laptop or tablet) or any other method which conveys, transmits, displays or interprets MRS evidence to a person. 296.04 PROCEDURE Administrative Control and Certification: The Operations Major or their designee shall provide operational control and ensure in-house training of each Officer in regards to operating this equipment. They will also be responsible for sworn personnel’s adherence to this policy as well as the functioning and condition of each unit and all components of the systems. The Administrative Major will be responsible for the storage and administration of the non-evidentiary stored media. 296.40 Use of Department issued MRS audio and video recording equipment shall only be used by sworn personnel. 296.41 Officers operating a Mobile Recording System, will utilize it as defined in this policy. The system should be operated according to manufacturer’s guidelines and training. The department will provide