RUSSELLVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS

SUBJECT: Audio / Video Recording NUMBER: 2!"

E##ECTIVE DATE: M$rc% 2&' 2(() REVIE*ED: J$nu$r+ ,' 2(&!
AMENDS/SUPERSEDES:
APPROVED: Victor Shifett
C%ie- o- Po.ice
I/ POLIC0
The routine use of mobile audio/video recording equipment in patrol vehicles is for the purpose of collecting
evidence, which should be used in the prosecution of those who violate the law.
II/ PURPOSE
To establish uniform procedures in the use of and disposition of audio/video equipment and media.
III/ PROCEDURES
A. Members shall record all traffic stops, pursuits, and accident scenes (where practicable). Members
shall also record other events, situations, and circumstances, including but not limited to, armed
encounters, acts of physical violence, and felonious conduct.
. !nce audio/video recording begins, officers should record the incident until it has been resolved by
the issuance of a traffic tic"et, arrest made, etc.
#. The wireless microphone shall be worn on the officer$s person and turned on when the camera is
recording. The microphone is effective even inside buildings and therefore officers are encouraged to
audio record incidents even if the officer is not within the view of the camera.
%. #onsent of suspects to be audio/video recorded is not necessary. &nder 'entuc"y law you have a
right to audio or video record anything you see or do, as long as you have a legal right to be where you
are, therefore, you are recording the incident by the concept of (one)party consent*. Also the &nited
+tates +upreme #ourt recently affirmed the use of videotaped evidence of a suspect$s conduct and
their non)testimonial information does not fall within the scope of the fifth amendment$s privilege
against compelled self incrimination, therefore, officers operating this equipment are not required to
discontinue recording a situation for anyone other than the officer in control of the camera, or a
supervisor. ,f a suspect as"s if audio/video recording is being made, they should be informed that the
equipment is in use.
E. &sed audio/video media may be reviewed by appropriate department personnel for training purposes.
The #hief of -olice may review any audio/video recording for the purposes of ensuring compliance
with policy, in response to a complaint filed internally or e.ternally, or for periodic review of officer
conduct.
IV/ MEDIA USAGE AND STORAGE
A. /ach officer authori0ed to operate a camera will be issued blan" media for recording. The officer
is responsible for putting this media into the recorder and removing the media when it has reached
its ma.imum recording capacity. The officer is responsible for downloading the media to the
media storage computer.
B. The department shall maintain video in storage for a minimum period of 12 days unless the
evidence custodian is notified that there is reason to "eep a video longer. &sed media will be
cleared and reissued for use at the end of this time period.
C. At all times, and especially when the media is not in use, the officer is responsible for ensuring the
media is safely maintained.
D. All media and recordings are and shall remain the property of the 3ussellville -olice %epartment.
E. !nly department issued media may be used in the vehicle camera system. The use of any media
for the purpose of recording or viewing other than department issue is strictly prohibited.
4)56.7
V/ USE O# RECORDINGS AND DUPLICATIONS
A. &nusual or e.ceptional incidents related to law enforcement activities generate the interest of many.
8owever, members of this department shall not afford individuals outside the parameters of law
enforcement the opportunity to review a segment of any recording prior to the related incident being
ad9udicated in court. ,f allowed, this practice could very well constitute pre)trial publicity, inhibiting
normal court proceedings.
. -eriodically, video cameras mounted in departmental vehicles record events that may prove useful
as training aids. Therefore, when these cameras record unusual, e.ceptional, or felony instances,
and the incidents recorded are perceived to be of value as a training aid, the media shall be
retained for training purposes by the department.
#. ,t is the policy of the department in its efforts to cooperate with other law enforcement agencies
with legitimate needs, to provide copies of evidentiary recordings on request. As a routine policy
such requests are sub9ect to the following guidelines:
1) 3equest for copies are in writing on official department letterhead stationary of the requesting agency.
2) 3equests are signed by the #hief Administrative official.
3) The recording in question is not the current sub9ect of 9udicial review.
D. ,t is the policy of the department, in its efforts to cooperate with those in the private sector with
legitimate needs, to provide copies of evidentiary recordings on request. +uch requests are sub9ect
to the following guidelines:
1) 3equests for copies are to be submitted in writing, directed to the #hief of -olice.
2) 3equests are accompanied by a chec" or money order in the amount of ;4<.22. Made
payable to 3ussellville -olice %epartment.
3) The recording in question is not the current sub9ect of 9udicial review.
E. All duplicated recordings shall be labeled bearing the legend 3&++/==>,==/ -!=,#/
%/-A3TM/?T, and the following te.t:
(This duplicate recording is furnished to the requesting entities for the e.press
use of the requestor and further duplication without the e.press written consent
of the #hief of -olice is prohibited.*
4)56.4