Mobile Audio/Video Recorders - In Car Video Recorders

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Mobile Video Recorder (MVR) system according to Omaha Police Department policy?

To document routine traffic stops

To monitor police officer behavior in public

To enhance officer safety and accountability (correct)

To provide training for police officers

Who is designated to manage the overall functions of the MVR systems?

B Shift lieutenant

Designated Employee

MVR Administrator (correct)

MVR Technician

What must police officers adhere to in order to maximize the effectiveness of the MVR systems?

OPD training and operational protocols (correct)

Only local traffic laws

Personal discretion

Social media guidelines

Which of the following does NOT accurately define the role of a Designated Employee?

Trained to manage general police operations Signup and view all the answers

Which type of video can detectives view?

All videos labeled as 'Evidence', except 'LOCKED' Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes recorded media in the context of MVR systems?

Audio-video signals captured during incidents Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the objectives of using MVRs stated within the Omaha Police Department policy?

To accurately capture statements and events Signup and view all the answers

What is the retention period for misdemeanor evidence video?

18 months Signup and view all the answers

Which classification is used for serious incidents like officer-involved shootings?

LOCKED Signup and view all the answers

Who typically assumes the role of MVR Technician in each precinct?

Assigned 'B' Shift lieutenant Signup and view all the answers

Upon the expiration of its classification-based storage time, what happens to video media?

It is automatically removed unless needed for legal reasons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of an In-Car Camera System (MVR)?

Flashlight Signup and view all the answers

What role does the MVR Administrator fulfill in terms of video retention?

They maintain tracking of media and ensure proper deletion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must officers do when labeling videos containing recorded evidence?

Include the RB number or citation number Signup and view all the answers

What classification indicates that a video will be retained indefinitely?

LOCKED Signup and view all the answers

How long are uncategorized and non-evidence videos retained?

120 days Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do if they deactivate the MVR?

Narrate the reason for deactivation prior to turning it off. Signup and view all the answers

When wearing a functional Body Worn Camera (BWC), what is required regarding the MVR audio mic?

The MVR audio mic is not required for either officer. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done when the remaining recording time is less than one hour?

The recording media may be replaced or uploaded automatically. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Designated Employee after a serious incident arises?

To classify the video as 'LOCKED' after retrieval. Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited regarding the MVR recordings?

Altering or tampering with the recordings. Signup and view all the answers

How often must supervisors review the MVR Recorded Media for each officer assigned to their command?

At least once every six months. Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do when responding in a support capacity with digital transmitters?

Ensure audio and video recording is active. Signup and view all the answers

What type of incidents require retrieval of recorded media by a field supervisor?

Serious incidents like shootings or crashes. Signup and view all the answers

If the driver officer is using a BWC in a two-officer vehicle, who must wear the MVR audio transmitter?

The backup officer. Signup and view all the answers

What actions are allowed for officers when reviewing their own MVR recordings?

Officers may review them for written report accuracy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason for temporarily muting the remote microphone?

After indicating the intention verbally to do so. Signup and view all the answers

What must be included when labeling videos per OPD policy for evidence retention?

The RB number or citation number. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of the Designated Employee regarding SD media after serious incident recordings?

To transport the SD media to the precinct for upload. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may officers deactivate the MVR during an incident?

If deactivation does not lead to loss of critical information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the MVR system in relation to officers' actions?

To capture audio-visual evidence for investigations Signup and view all the answers

Which action must officers take if they identify a malfunctioning MVR unit?

Immediately report it to a supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is required of officers during the pre-shift inspection of the MVR?

Make sure the remote audio transmitter is functional and fully charged Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is the automatic activation of MVR equipment mandated?

When the vehicle collides with an object with sufficient force Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do when a person is placed into a police vehicle?

Immediately activate the interior camera and microphone Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if the MVR fails to upload video to the server?

Email notifications will be automatically generated Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of assigned officers regarding MVR equipment maintenance?

General maintenance and inspections fall under the officer's purview Signup and view all the answers

What action is required for recording during expedited level responses?

Operation of the MVR is mandatory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for MVR training documentation?

Documentation must be retained for future reference Signup and view all the answers

How should manual activation of MVR equipment be handled by officers?

Can be done using the wireless transmitter from outside the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What documentation is required when MVR equipment malfunctions?

A Police Equipment Accountability Form and an Incident Report Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the MVR system's buffer capabilities?

It saves 30 seconds of video data prior to activation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the objectives of providing impartial feedback to officers?

To enable them to self-critiquing their performance Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance should officers inform subjects about audio and video recording?

When feasible, they should inform the subjects Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Omaha Police Department Mobile Video Recorder (MVR) Policy

Purpose: To establish procedures for MVR systems, including training, management, access, retention, handling, dissemination, storage, and retrieval of audio-video recordings. This improves evidence quality, officer accountability, and safety.

Definitions

Designated Employee: Trained personnel authorized by the Chief of Police to handle recordings of high-liability incidents.
In-Car Camera System/MVR: A system that records audio and video in a police vehicle (camera, microphone, recorder, monitor).
MVR Administrator: Department-wide contact for coordinating and troubleshooting MVR systems.
MVR Technician: Trained in operation, troubleshooting, repair, and evidentiary procedures; typically a precinct "B" shift lieutenant.
Recorded Media: Audio-video recordings from the MVR system.

Program Objectives

Enhance officer safety.
Capture incident statements and events accurately.
Improve officer documentation and review for internal and legal purposes.
Enable self-critique and field evaluation.
Collect visual and audio information for investigations.

Training

Mandatory training: All MVR users must complete approved OPD training.
Training documentation: Original training materials are retained and archived.
Regular updates: Officers and supervisors receive updated training as needed.
Documented training: Training is documented according to OPD policy.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation: OPD ensures proper installation per manufacturer's instructions.
Officer responsibility: Officers are responsible for vehicle MVR inspection and general maintenance.
Pre-shift inspection: Required pre-shift MVR inspection (including remote audio transmitter, camera lens, and recording status). Inspection documentation is required.
Reporting malfunctions: Malfunctions, damage, or theft of MVR equipment are reported immediately to a supervisor via OPD Form 24 (Equipment Accountability) and OPD Form 189 (Incident Report). Supervisors update the Camera Status Log.
"No Uploading Video Alerts": Automated emails are sent to designated recipients if the MVR is not uploading video data; recipients confirm MVR operation and resolve issues.

MVR Operational Guidelines

Mandatory operation: Recording is mandatory in equipped vehicles for traffic stops, roadside contacts, expedited responses, pursuits, and transporting individuals. The interior camera and microphone should be activated when anyone is placed in a police vehicle.
Officer discretion: Record situations deemed relevant through training and experience.
Subject notification: Inform subjects of recording when feasible.
Automatic activation: Triggers for automatic activation include emergency lights (positions 2 & 3), speed exceeding 80 mph, and vehicle collisions activating sensors. Recording stops only when directed by a command officer or an accident investigator.
Manual activation: Manual activation is available for various scenarios outside of the automated triggers.
30-second buffer: The system captures 30 seconds of pre-activation video.
Audio activation: Ensure audio functionality alongside video recording.
Two-officer vehicles: One officer wears the remote audio transmitter in two-officer vehicles, while the other officer(s) wear a body-worn camera (BWC).
Temporary mute: Remote microphones can be muted if the officer verbally notifies their intent.
Additional perspectives: When officers support a situation, they activate their individual MVRs
BWC and MVR: When using BWC's, MVR audio mics are not mandatory
Deactivation: MVR deactivation is allowed only if the incident doesn't need to be recorded continuously, or if a supervisor directs it; in pursuits and fleeing vehicle events, the MVR is not deactivated until the officer is back at the assembly or a supervisor directs.
Media copying: Officers may create copies of the MVR recordings onto DVDs if required by Command or Prosecution; these copies are labelled, documented according to OPD policy and turn in accordance with OPD policies and procedures.

Supervisor and Designated Employee Responsibilities

Serious incident response: Designated employees handle removing and uploading recorded media from vehicles during serious incidents.
Media verification & classification: Designated employees confirm transfer to the server, classify, and set retention.
Supervisory review: Supervisors review officer’s media at least every six months, documenting reviews on OPD Form 111 and filing it in PowerDMS.

Recording, Duplication, Dissemination, and Review

Ownership: Recorded media belongs to OPD. External dissemination is restricted without authorization.
Integrity: Officers are prohibited from altering or tampering with MVR recordings.
Personal devices: Transferring MVR recordings to personal devices is prohibited.
Media preservation: Original media should be copied for use, if possible and practical, leaving the original media undisturbed.
Video classification: Officers classify recordings, including the RB number or citation number.
Review: Officers may review recordings for accuracy; investigators can review certain videos.

Video Access, Classification, and Retention

Access levels: Different access permissions for officers, detectives, and command.
Classification: Classifying recordings (Evidence, Uncategorized, etc.)
Retention periods: Defined retention periods based on record details or classification (120 days for uncategorized, 180 for traffic infractions, 18 months for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies, indefinitely for "LOCKED"). "LOCKED" is for serious incidents.
Deletion: Scheduled deletion of recordings based on classification and retention periods.

Deletion of Video and MVR System Administrator Responsibilities

Automatic deletion: Media is automatically deleted after its retention period unless requested for legal proceedings.
Legal proceedings: Monthly lists are provided to the MVR Administrator of RB and Citation numbers needed for deletion. These will be set for deletion in 30 days.
System and media maintenance: MVR Administrator responsibilities include media tracking, long-term storage of evidentiary items, deleting unnecessary media, and media erasure in accordance with OPD policies.

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Description

This quiz covers the policies and procedures related to Mobile Video Recorders (MVR) used by the Omaha Police Department. It includes definitions of key terms, program objectives, and the roles of designated personnel. Improve your understanding of how MVR systems enhance officer accountability and safety.