Policy Text
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ZEPHYRHILLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Standard Operating Procedure: 08.27
Subject: Mobile Video/Audio Recording and Body -Worn Cameras
Effective Date: June 10, 2025
Scope: All
Rescinds: 510.08
Revised: May 17, 2025
Reviewed: May 17, 2025
Pages: 8
CONTENTS: This procedure consists of the following numbered sections:
I. Definitions
II. Administrative Control and Certification
III. Operator Training
IV. MVR Operating Procedures
V. BWC Operating Procedures
VI. Officer Interception
VII. File Retention and Storage
PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to provide guideline s that govern
the operation of p olice mobile video/ audio recording and body -worn cameras. This policy also
establishes guidelines for capturing and preserving useful legal video and audio evidence. This
policy does not apply to surreptitious recording devices used in undercover operations.
POLICY : Mobile v ideo/ audio recording equipment and body -worn camera technology have
advanced to the point where they now provide the necessary and accurate tools for law
enforcement officers to document daily activities and provide the courts with a visual and audio
record of those activities . To maintain a high degree of accountability within the c ommunity and
to maximize the utility of this equipment in these and related areas, officers and other
departmental personnel shall follow the procedures for using video/audio recording equipment as
outlined in this directive.
I. DEFINIT IONS
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A. Audio Recording: Electronic recording of a conversation or other spoken words.
B. Axon BWC : Video/Audio system (consisting primarily of three components: camera,
docking station, and computer, produced by Axon Enterprise, Inc.) worn by a law
enforcement officer to record events during his or her shift.
C. Body -Worn Camera (BWC): A wearable audio, video, or photographic recording
system.
D. Event Mode (Active Mode): In event mode, the BWC saves the buffered video and
continues recording audio and video for up to 8 hours.
E. Evidence.com: An online, web -based digital media storage facility that stores digitally
encrypted data (photographs, audio, and video recordings) in a highly secure
environment. The recordings are accessible to authorized pers onnel based on security
clearance.
F. Evidence Transfer Manager (ETM): A docking station that sim ultaneously recharges
the Axon b ody camera and uploads all data captured during the shift to Evidence.com.
The ETM ensures that evidence handling is secure and n ot altered.
G. Mobile Video/Audio Recorder (MVR): A commercially made device designed to
capture audio and video data to magnetic or digital storage media from a vehicle.
H. Normal (Buffering) Mode: The Axon continuously loops video recording for 60
seconds. It only records video in buffering mode.
I. Video Recording: Electronic recording of visual images with or without audio.
J. Video Repository: The video r epository shall be u nder the direct control of the
operations commander or his or her designee. Access shall be restricted to those
individuals only.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL AND CERTIFICATION
A. The o perations commander shall provide administrative control and ensure in -house
training of each officer operating this equipment as follows:
1. Establish and maintain a separate file for ea ch video camera unit to include:
a. All do cuments relating to unit repair.
b. All memoranda requesting maintenance and all inv oices for repair for that unit.
c. Factory operational guides/manuals for that unit.
B. The executive assistant shall maintain a current list of all officers tr ained to operate the
units. The f ield training commander shall ensure that all video familiarization training is
incorporated into the Field Training and Evaluation Program.
III. OPERATOR TRAI NING
A. Every officer/operator of the m obile video/ audio recording device shall receive training
on the operation, legal, evidentiary , and cinematographic aspects of this valuable police
tool.
Page 3 of 8 IV. MVR OPERATING PROCEDURES
A. Training : All officers whose vehicles are equipped with video/audio recording devices
and who are trained in the operation of such devices shall ensure that the video and audio
recording function always remains on during the stop and arrest of a suspect, traffic stops,
pursuits , and field sob riety evaluations. The officer shall then log the recordings as
evidence for criminal prosecution consideration. Officers may record other events,
encounters, or unusual conduct that may lead to an investigation. No officer shall operate
the mobile vide o equipment until that officer has completed an agency -approved mobile
video recording training.
B. Video Interruption : Once the situation stabilizes, if it is necessary to discuss issues or
concerns with another officer or supervisor in private, the audio pack on the MVR may
be temporarily muted. The officer shall verbally note their intention to mute the
recording of t he Arbitrator 360 or Axon Fleet recording system. The audio pack must be
unmuted as soon as the private conversation is completed. Officers may temporarily
mute their MWC units when:
1. Exchanging NCIC/FCIC, DAVID, or other law enforcement sensitive data either i n
person or by the police radio.
2. Facilitating discussion