Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
4 01/24/2011 06/01/201 9 06/01/20 21
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
SS118 - Videography 1 SS118 VIDEOGRAPHY
SS118.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this procedure is to describe the process of record ing the original scene and
related area prior to any modifications . Videography preserve s the initial ap pearance of physical
evidence and provides investigators and other s with a permanent visual record of the scene’s
original condition for later use. Videotapes are also used in court trials and hearings. Videotaping
should be performed by personnel trained in video procedures.
SS118.1.2 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This procedure pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 83.2.2
This procedure relates to the following General Orders: N/A
SS118.2 DEFINITIONS
Slate - This is the first image taken to show the case number, code section applicable, name of
person taking the photos, location of where photos are being taken; date and time of photography;
to indicate which scene photos are to follow.
SS118.3 VIDEOGRAPHY PROCESSING
Videotaping will generally be utilized for major incident/crime scenes. Tustin PD utilizes digital
video cameras for crime scene documentation.
a) Videotaping will occur after the initial walk -through and prior to photographing and marking
the evidence within the crime scene. Discuss what will be videotaped with the crime scene
manager prior to videotaping the crime scene ;
b) Make sure internal microphone is disabled ;
c) Begin by videotaping the slate ;
d) Start videotaping from behind the crime scene ta pe leading into the interior of the crime
scene, panning 180 degrees as you proceed through the crime scene. Be careful not to
destroy any evidence while videotaping ;
e) Videotape the entrance (crime scene) ;
f) Videotape the scene as it appears when you first step into it ;
g) Include all attached areas to the actual crime scene in the videotape ;
h) Videotape any specific areas or items as discussed with the crime scene manager ;
i) From the center of the crime scene, videotape towards the exterior panning 360 degrees ;
j) The recording will be converted to a media file that can be displayed on a computer and
then burned onto a CD Rom;
k) Book the CD Rom into Property as evidence, giving the CD its own evidence number
(Refer to Property SS701 );
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
4 01/24/2011 06/01/201 9 06/01/20 21
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
SS118 - Videography 2 l) Log the original videotape into ev idence, giving t he tape its own evidence number (Refer
to Property SS701 ).
SS118.4 USE OF VIDEO CAMERA
Employees shall use only video cameras issued by the Department. The use of personally -owned
video recording equipment by employees in the performance of their duties is prohibited.