WAUKESHA POLICE

SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT
MOBILE AUDIO-VIDEO RECORDING SYSTEMS
GENERAL ORDER
ISSUED DATE: LAST UPDATE: NUMBER:
9-30-09 12-15-11 G.0.2009-04
WILEAG STANDARDS: TOTAL PAGES:
NONE 4
ISSUING AUTHORITY:
RUSSELL P. JACK - CHIEF OF POLICE
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this General Order is to provide gUidance concerning the use of
Mobile Audio-Video Recording Systems (MAVRS) used by the Waukesha Police
Department in patrol vehicles. This guidance includes the proper use of MAVRS
and the procedures related to handling or downloading a recorded audio-video file.
This General Order does not apply to handheld recording devices or audio-video
surveillance devices.
II. POLICY
It is the policy of the Waukesha Police Department to utilize MAVRS in Department
patrol vehicles. MAVRS will create an accurate record of events during which
members of the Department have contact with the general public. The Digital
Patroller provided by Digital Safety Technology is the designated MAVRS of the
Department.
III. DEFINITIONS
A. Mobile Audio-Video Recording System (MAVRS) - Equipment designed for
fixed installation in patrol vehicles that will capture both audio and video
recording within the capability of the system.
B. MAVRS Program Coordinator - A sworn supervisor, as assigned by the Chief
of Police, tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the MAVRS program.
C. MAVRS Video File Coordinator - An employee, assigned by the Chief of
Police, tasked with the responsibility for transferring, copying, processing,
storing and purging of MAVRS files.
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MOBILE AUDIO-VIDEO RECORDING SYSTEMS
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IV. PROCEDURES
A. Operation Procedures
1. At the beginning of each shift the officer assigned to a MAVRS equipped
patrol unit shall be required to determine the operational status of the
camera system. The camera system shall be checked periodically during
the duty shift to ensure the system is operating properly. Officers shall
notify a shift supervisor as soon as possible, whenever the system
malfunctions or the officer receives an indication the Digital Video Recorder
(DVR) is full. At the end of each shift, the system is to be shut down and the
wireless microphone placed in the charging cradle.
2. The MAVRS is continually recording and will capture the 30 seconds of
video prior to one of the activation methods. The camera, wireless
microphone and internal microphones will activate and recording to the DVR
will begin when:
a. Manually activated on the WDA
b. The emergency lights are activated
c. Officer depresses the "Talk" button on the remote microphone
d. The vehicle reaches a speed of 65 mph or higher
e. When the vehicle has an impact (similar to what would set off an airbag)
3. Once an incident is completed, the officer shall press the "Stop" button on
the WDA to stop the recording. The officer must then classify the event.
4. An Officer shall not stop a MAVRS recording until the squad leaves the
scene of an incident and does not have a civilian in the vehicle (except ride-
alongs). A supervisor may authorize the termination of a recording.
5. An Officer shall not access or tamper with: the trunk mounted media vault,
digital video recorder or the system's programming menu unless performing
a manual download at a docking station.
6. Officers shall follow all Standard Operating Procedures in relation to the
MAVRS.
B. Digital Video Control and Management
1. Digital units download video files to a server using a wireless access system
or a manual docking station. The MAVRS Video File Coordinator shall have
the ability to manually transfer files to a DVD for storage, or release files in
accordance with the Record Request General Order (2003-07).
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MOBILE AUDIO-VIDEO RECORDING SYSTEMS
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2. All MAVRS Video files shall be retained for 120 days and then purged,
unless they have been selected for extended retention.
3. Video files needed as evidence (refer to MAVRS SOP) shall be transferred
to a DVD and inventoried by the MAVRS Video File Coordinator. All OWl
cases are to be inventoried as evidence.
4. Supervisors shall designate files "Marked as Evidence" for citizen complaints.
5. Supervisors may only copy files for officer evaluation, citizen complaints, or
training purposes.
6. All video file requests made through open records shall be handled in
accordance with current open records law and the Record Request General
Order (2003-07).
C. Restrictions
1. Officers shall not use the MAVRS to record conversations or activities of other
police personnel unless it is intended for criminal, investigative or
administrative purposes.
2. Officers shall not erase or alter MAVRS files in any manner.
3. Officers shall not interfere with the recording system or intentionally cause the
system to malfunction.
4. Officers shall ensure that there are no obvious obstructions to prohibit either
audio or video recording.
5. An Officer shall not stop a MAVRS recording until the squad leaves the
scene of an incident and does not have a civilian in the vehicle (except ride-
alongs). A supervisor may authorize the termination of a recording.
V. SECURITY AND INTEGRITY OF MOBILE AUDIO-VIDEO FILES
A. Processing and storage of audio-video recordings are done on a Department
server and storage unit, maintained by the City's IT Department.
B. The server and storage units are located in the secured computer room on the
upper level of the Police Department.
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VI. NOTIFICATION
A. It is not necessary for officers to volunteer the fact that the incident or contact is
being recorded. If a person asks if they are being recorded, the officer shall
inform them they are being recorded, unless doing so jeopardizes the officer's
safety or investigation. If a member of the public objects to the recording,
they shall be informed that Wisconsin law allows for audio and video recordings.
B. Officers are not required to cease or initiate a recording based on the request or
demand of a citizen, involved party, suspect or offender.
C. The following message will be posted in a location that is visible to those persons
seated in the transport areas of patrol fleets. This posting shall be stated in both
English and Spanish.
1. "Audio and Video Recording in Progress"
2. "Grabacion Audio un Video Esta en Curso"

RUSSELL P. JACK
CHIEF OF POLICE
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