Item 29 - Councilmember Requested Item to Discuss to SAPD In-Car Video Recording Policy

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CITY ATTORNEY Sonia R. Carvalho CITY MANAGER Alvaro Nuñez CITY CLERK Jennifer L. Hall 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - P.O. BOX 1988, M31 - SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702 TELEPHONE (714) 647-6900 - FAX (714) 647-6954 - www.santa-ana.org Analysis Adopting an automatic in-car video activation policy in Santa Ana would align SAPD with best practices and recent legislative trends, including: •California Vehicle Code §17004.7 – Encourages agencies to adopt written pursuit policies with annual training to maintain certain immunities. •Assembly Bill 748 (2018) – Establishes timelines for public release of audio/video related to critical incidents. •Penal Code §832.18 – Requires written policies for BWC use; provides a framework for harmonizing BWC and ICV policies. Proposed Policy Elements: •Scope: All marked SAPD patrol vehicles equipped with ICV systems (and unmarked units where feasible). •Automatic Activation Triggers: Engagement of lightbar or siren; initiation of pursuit mode; optional integration with BWCs for simultaneous activation. •Manual Activation Requirements: Traffic/pedestrian stops, prisoner transports, DUI investigations, or other enforcement events not otherwise automatically triggered. •Prohibited Deactivation: Narrow exceptions for privacy or tactical safety, requiring supervisor notification and documentation. •Retention and Storage: In compliance with Government Code §§34090–34090.6, with extended retention for incidents involving arrest, use of force, or serious injury/death. •Public Records Compliance: Adherence to AB 748 timelines for disclosure, with established redaction protocols to protect privacy and ongoing investigations. •Training and Accountability: Annual POST-aligned training, audit protocols, and disciplinary measures for unjustified failure to record. Funding Implementation would require investment in equipment, installation, secure data storage, system maintenance, and training. Potential funding sources include: •Federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program •State public safety technology grants •Cost offsets from reduced liability claims and litigation expenses Next Steps If the City Council supports moving forward, the city manager will direct staff to: •Draft the SAPD In-Car Video Recording Policy within 60 days. •Conduct meet-and-confer with the Police Management Association and Police Officers Association regarding policy impacts. •Identify and procure ICV equipment with automatic activation capabilities. •Develop training modules and implementation schedules. •Return to the City Council within 90 days with the final policy, fiscal analysis, and implementation timeline. Conclusion By adopting a policy requiring automatic activation of in-car video systems during pursuits, Code-3 responses, and other critical enforcement activities, the City of Santa Ana will join other leading California jurisdictions in leveraging proven technology to enhance transparency, strengthen community trust, and protect both officers and the