Number

4-11
Subject

MOBILE VIDEO RECORDING

Author/Originator

Approved by

Superintendent

Bureau of Field Operations

Records Management Statement

Supersedes P&P 4-11 dated October 27, 2009

Posted on WisDOT Internal Website (dotnet) at http://dotnet/dsp/policy/index.html

I.

POLICY
It is the policy of the Division of State Patrol (DSP) to establish guidelines for the
operation of mobile video recording equipment and video recorder operator training.

II.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this policy is to promote a standard operating procedure for the use and
maintenance of video equipment as an evidence-gathering tool in cases involving
intoxicated drivers, criminal arrests and other incidents where it would be prudent to gather
video evidence.

III.

IV.

GENERAL PROVISIONS
A.

Officers trained in conducting mobile video recording surveillance may use video
equipment.

B.

Division of State Patrol designated mobile videotaping instructors shall conduct

video training.

PROCEDURE
A.

Officer
1.

January 24, 2014

Equipment

Page 1 of 4 pages

Mobile Video Recording

a.

Maintain and operate video equipment, taking precautions to prevent

damage, including damage that may occur due to extreme
temperatures.

b.

Report equipment problems to applicable region/post video

coordinator. (Use SP4106, Equipment Outage/Repair Report).
Order additional Digital Video Discs (DVDs)/Compact Discs (CDs)
and transmitter batteries from region/post supply clerk.

c.

2.

3.

January 24, 2014

P&P 4-11

Operation
a.

Record all traffic stops, activating the video and sound prior to the
stop until the person is released.

b.

Record all other enforcement and service activities, i.e., criminal

interdiction, motorist assists, crashes, etc.

c.

Utilize video equipment as directed by a supervisor.

d.

Audio shall be used in all recording situations. Be aware of legal

requirements regarding recording of conversations.

e.

Provide courtroom testimony supporting video evidence.

f.

Remove compact video cameras from dash when patrol vehicle is

left unattended and in public view for extended periods of time.

Documentation
a.

On each DVD/CD, enter the date and time it was placed into service
and the date and time it was taken out of service.

b.

Record patrol activity arrests and other significant events.

c.

Video recordings shall remain in custody of the arresting officer for

at least 60 days to comply with Records Disposal Authorizations
(RDAs) or stored at a download site.

d.

Video recordings, used for evidentiary purposes in serious matters,

shall be placed in appropriate evidence storage or kept with court
records and will be retained for at least 6 months after entry of
judgment.

e.

Notify applicable DSP court officer when a videotape is part of

documentation for a case.

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Mobile Video Recording

f.
g.

B.

P&P 4-11

Review/replay recordings if necessary for report writing or prior to

court testimony.
Provide copy of active recording via DSP court officer, to district
attorney or defense attorney upon request.

Region/Post Video Coordinator

1.

Ensure that all video operators assigned to the region/post are familiar with
their assigned equipment and its proper use.

2.

Operations
a.

Identify region/post mobile video training needs.

b.

Develop mobile video training in cooperation with other video

instructors/coordinators and the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy
(WSPA). Forward unique video recordings to the WSPA to be used
for training purposes.

3.

Assist officers with video court appearances, if necessary.

4.

Maintain a region/post file of trained video operators.

5.

Equipment

January 24, 2014

a.

Receive outage reports and forward to equipment repair facility.

b.

Notify video officers of equipment outage and repair dispositions.

c.

Assist video training instructor(s) with equipment problems when

necessary.

d.

Coordinate videotape stocking with region/post supply clerk.

NOTE: Region/post supply clerks will order, stock, and issue
DVDs/CDs and transmitter batteries as necessary.

e.

Maintain custody of region/post storage cabinet.

f.

Maintain record of issued video equipment.

g.

Arrange for duplicate tape copy if formally requested.

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Mobile Video Recording

C.

V.

P&P 4-11

First-line Supervisor (sergeant)

1.

Ensure that officers are utilizing video recording equipment in accordance

with this policy and all other relevant Division directives, applicable statutes
and operating standards.

2.

Inspect video recording equipment periodically to ensure proper care and

maintenance.

REFERENCES
Wisconsin Statute 808.04
Wisconsin Statute 907.02
DSP Policy & Procedure 7-1, Investigation of Personnel Complaints
DSP Policy & Procedure 10-5, Evidence Processing/Seized or recovered Property
IACP Publication on Traffic Stops
Records Disposal Authorizations

January 24, 2014

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