15-17 In-Car Camera System

Question 1

What is the Rationale?

Answer 1

The In–Car Camera System (ICCS) is a multifaceted tool that can:
 enhance public trust and police legitimacy;
 enhance public and police officer safety;
 enhance the commitment to bias-free service delivery by officers to the public;
 provide a tool to facilitate early resolution of complaints; and
 provide improved evidence for investigative, judicial and oversight purposes; and
 provide information as to the effectiveness of Service procedures and training.
The Service is committed to maintaining the public trust by delivering professional and unbiased policing at all times. The ICCS is a valuable tool in remaining accountable to the community and maintaining its trust.

Question 2

Supervision

Answer 2

 Supervisory Officer notification mandatory when malfunction, damage or theft of an ICCS occurs

Question 3

Procedure - Objection to Being Recorded - Officers may encounter situations where individuals object to being audio and/or video recorded. If the recording is occurring while in a public place, officers SHALL

Answer 3

continue to record in accordance with this Procedure

Question 4

Procedure - Incidents of a Sensitive Nature - Officers assigned to, or operating a Service vehicle equipped with an ICCS must be cognizant of the impact video recording may have on persons involved in incidents of a sensitive nature. In circumstances where the person is being captured on ICCS video, an officer may

Answer 4

temporarily deactivate the ICCS, or adjust the camera view, while taking appropriate steps to address the situation, and reactivate the ICCS after having done so. Any deactivation of the ICCS video recording function, arising out of a reasonable concern for the dignity of a person, must be in accordance with this Procedure by noting the reason for the decision in a memorandum book, and, if practical, by recording an audible statement prior to.

Pursuant to Procedure 13–03 and 13–05, any apparent breach of this Procedure will be carefully considered on its merits having regard to all the circumstances before discipline is commenced.

Question 5

Member - Upon receiving a request for an ICCS recording from a member of the public SHALL direct the individual to

Answer 5

Information Access – Access and Privacy Section.

Question 6

Police Officer - Police officers SHALL not

Answer 6

 operate an ICCS equipped vehicle without having completed the prescribed training
 adjust the ICCS while actively engaged in apprehending or pursuing a fleeing motor vehicle, for the safety of members and the public
 modify or attempt to modify any permanent settings or installed components of the ICCS

Question 7

Police Officer - When assigned to a Service vehicle that is equipped with an ICCS SHALL, at the beginning of the shift, check if the ICCS is functioning properly by activating the system and creating a brief recording to ensure that:

Answer 7

 both cameras are capable of recording video
 the wireless microphones are capable of remotely activating the system and recording audio
 the fixed rear microphone is capable of recording audio
 the camera lens and the windshield are free of debris that may obscure the camera
 the camera is locked in position facing the front of the Service vehicle
 The front camera SHALL remain facing the front of the Service vehicle, except in circumstances where it is necessary to modify the position to record a specific event.
 the system plays back both audio and visual recordings

Question 8

Police Officer - After completing the check detailed in item 3 SHALL

Answer 8

record the results in the memorandum book.

Question 9

Police Officer - Upon discovery of any malfunctions SHALL report such forthwith

Answer 9

 to the HELP desk
 to a supervisory officer

Question 10

Police Officer - Upon discovery of any damaged or missing ICCS equipment SHALL report such to a supervisory officer forthwith.

Question 11

Police Officer - When assigned to or operating a Service vehicle equipped with an ICCS SHALL

Answer 11

 operate the ICCS equipment in accordance with the prescribed training
 ensure that, when two officers are assigned to the Service vehicle, the identification information of the officer that is not automatically entered into the ICCS log in screen is manually entered as Officer #2 in the log in screen and saved
 wear the ICCS wireless microphone at all times when the ICCS is activated, or while performing the duties of a
police officer outside the Service vehicle
 when wearing the wireless microphone, ensure the approved microphone pouch is utilized in accordance with the prescribed training
 activate the ICCS to visually and/or audibly record
 all contacts between a police officer and a member of the public where that contact is for the purpose of a police investigation, regardless of whether or not the person is within camera view
 all emergency responses, whether emergency equipment is utilized or not, from initiation to conclusion
 all vehicle pursuits
 all crimes or offences in progress
 crime and collision scenes
 when practicable, all statements not taken inside a Service facility
 any other situation or event where it is believed it would be beneficial to capture video and / or audio
evidence or information
 ensure that, when placing or transporting any person other than a Service member or authorized person in an
ICCS equipped vehicle
 if the person is in the front seat of the Service vehicle, the front camera and driver microphone are recording
 if the person is in the rear seat of the Service vehicle, the rear camera and rear microphone are also
recording
 ensure that the ICCS is not activated during
 investigative discussions or enquiries between police personnel
 situations that reveal police investigative techniques
 attendance in a Service facility or courthouse
 interactions which could potentially identify a confidential informant(s) or police officer in an undercover capacity
 not capture multiple unrelated incidents, unrelated investigations, or unrelated contacts with a member of the public in a single ICCS recording

Question 12

Police Officer - As soon as practicable, when the ICCS is activated, SHALL advise the persons that they are being

Answer 12

visually and/or audibly recorded.

Question 13

Police Officer - When the ICCS is activated, SHALL not deactivate until the incident has concluded or, except when

Answer 13

 the officer no longer REASONABLY BELIEVES that the collection of audio/video media would support officer or public safety, and/or benefit the investigation
 directed to do so by a supervisor

Question 14

Police Officer - When it is necessary to deactivate the ICCS or mute audio recording during an investigation or incident SHALL

Answer 14

 where reasonably possible, before deactivating or muting the audio, record a brief audible statement indicating the reason
 note the reasons for the decision in the memorandum book, and when directed to do so by a supervisor, note the supervisor’s badge number

Question 15

Police Officer - Upon deactivating the ICCS, the recording SHALL be appropriately classified utilizing the classification function. Should a recording be interrupted or the ICCS be disabled prior to the classification function being utilized, classification SHALL be done by

Answer 15

reviewing the recording utilizing the ICCS viewer application through the mobile data terminal (MDT) or standard workstation.

Question 16

Police Officer - Where an accidental deactivation of the ICCS occurs, SHALL make a record of the details, including,

Answer 16

where possible the apparent cause of the deactivation, the time and duration of the deactivation, and a summary of what transpired during that time, in the memorandum book as soon as reasonably possible.

Question 17

Police Officer - Where privileged information has been captured by the ICCS SHALL

Answer 17

 comply with Procedure 04-35
 immediately notify the Controller of the following
 name, badge number, and unit
 details of the circumstances of the recording
 ICCS asset number
 date and time of recording

Question 18

Police Officer - When attending or involved in an incident where the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Mandate has been, or may be, invoked SHALL

Answer 18

 ensure the recording media is protected
 ensure the ICCS is not deactivated unless directed to do so by Toronto Police Operations Centre or a Chief’s SIU Liaison Officer
 comply with the directions of the Chief’s SIU Liaison Officer

Question 19

Police Officer - Where a Service vehicle equipped with an ICCS has been involved in a collision that has caused the engine to stop, members SHALL not

Answer 19

restart the vehicle in order to access ICCS audio/video recordings. Audio/video recordings SHALL only be accessed through the ICCS if the Service vehicle is still functioning, without attempting to restart the vehicle.

Question 20

Police Officer - Upon arriving at the station at the conclusion of the shift SHALL

Answer 20

 return the wireless microphone to the charging cradle and SHALL not power off the mobile data terminal (MDT) or the ICCS
 complete the applicable eReport when a charge is laid in relation to an incident that has a related ICCS recording

Question 21

Supervisory Officer - Supervisory officers SHALL ensure that any police officers assigned to an ICCS equipped vehicle have completed the

Answer 21

prescribed training, and SHALL determine additional training needs as appropriate.

Question 22

Supervisory Officer - Upon becoming aware that a malfunction has occurred with an ICCS SHALL

Answer 22

 ensure the officer notifies the HELP desk forthwith
 ensure repairs are made to the malfunctioning equipment as soon as practicable
 determine if the vehicle is to be placed in/out of service

Question 23

Supervisory Officer - When supervising personnel assigned to vehicles equipped with an ICCS SHALL

Answer 23

 conduct a review of each officer’s ICCS recordings at least once per month to
 assist with supervision
 ensure the ICCS is functioning properly
 determine whether the ICCS is being operated in accordance with procedure and prescribed training
 ensure that officers are classifying ICCS recordings appropriately for retention purposes
 identify material that may be appropriate for training
 determine additional training needs, as appropriate
 Ensure supervisory reviews of each officer’s ICCS recordings are conducted at least once per month, or CWW cycle, as applicable.
 review ICCS recordings, where applicable, to assist in the resolution of a public complaint in compliance with Procedure 13–02
 record the results in the Unit Commander Morning Report (UCMR) and memorandum book

Question 24

Supervisory Officer - When attending or involved in an incident where the SIU Mandate has been, or may be invoked SHALL

Answer 24

 ensure the recording media is protected
 comply with the directions of the Chief’s SIU Liaison Officer

Question 25

Supervisory Officer - When attending an incident where a Service vehicle is equipped with an ICCS, after assessing the circumstances, may direct an officer to

Answer 25

deactivate the ICCS, when appropriate.

Question 26

Supervisory Officer - When investigating a Service vehicle collision that does not fall under the SIU Mandate SHALL ensure that

Answer 26

 if the vehicle is drivable, it is returned to its home unit for ICCS uploading
 if the vehicle requires towing, that it is towed to the appropriate Service garage for ICCS uploading
 the investigating supervisor SHALL ensure
 the ICCS video has been successfully uploaded to the system
 in circumstances where the upload has not been successful, the HELP desk is notified forthwith

Question 27

Supervisory Officer - Where the event involves an audio/video recording captured by an ICCS SHALL ensure the recording is

Answer 27

appropriately classified for retention purposes.

Question 28

Supervisory Officer - Where a Service vehicle has been involved in a collision that has caused the vehicle engine to stop, SHALL

Answer 28

ensure the vehicle is not restarted.

Question 29

Case Manager - When designated as a Case Manager shall ensure that

Answer 29

 a Video Evidence Inventory and 612 Request text template is completed via the original eReport, capturing all ICCS recordings
 where the event involves an audio/video recording captured by an ICCS, the video is appropriately classified for retention purposes
 when a request for disclosure is required, a Video Evidence Inventory and 612 Request is completed via the original eReport, ensuring all applicable fields are completed
 upon receiving a request for ICCS recording from either the Crown Attorney or the Provincial Prosecutor’s office SHALL comply with the request

Question 30

Officer in Charge - When in charge of a unit with vehicles that are equipped with an ICCS SHALL

Answer 30

 ensure all officers assigned to an ICCS equipped vehicle have received the prescribed training
 determine additional training needs, as appropriate
 ensure supervisory officers with personnel assigned to vehicles equipped with an ICCS conduct a regular review at least once per month of ICCS recordings

Question 31

Officer in Charge - When attending or involved in an incident where the SIU Mandate has been, or may be invoked SHALL

Answer 31

 ensure the recording media is protected
 comply with the directions of the Chief’s SIU Liaison Officer

Question 32

Duty Senior Officer – Toronto Police Operations Centre - When attending an incident where a Service vehicle is equipped with an ICCS

Answer 32

 SHALL assess the circumstances
 may direct an officer to stop the ICCS recording, when appropriate

Question 33

Duty Senior Officer – Toronto Police Operations Centre - When attending an incident where the SIU Mandate has been, or may be invoked SHALL

Answer 33

 ensure the recorded media is protected
 comply with the directions of the Chief’s SIU Liaison Officer

Question 34

Definitions - Activate

Answer 34

means a process which causes the In-Car Camera to capture audio and/or video recordings.

Question 35

Definitions - Deactivate

Answer 35

means a process which causes the In-Car Camera to stop capturing audio and/or video recordings

Question 36

Definitions - Digital Video Asset Management System (DVAMS)

Answer 36

means a networked automated video solution that creates, stores, manages, and distributes video evidence via the Video Services Unit. DVAMS assets can be viewed and disclosure ordered from any workstation on the Toronto Police Service network.

Question 37

Definitions - In-Car Camera System (ICCS)

Answer 37

means any in–car recording equipment that captures audio and visual signals, and may also be referred to as a Mobile Video Recording System.

Question 38

Definitions - In-Car Camera System (ICCS) Technician

Answer 38

means a Toronto Police Service member trained in the operational use and repair of In–Car Camera Systems. NOTE: Some technicians may not be trained to repair an ICCS, but specialize in duplicating methods, storage and retrieval methods and procedures, and possess a working knowledge of video forensics and evidentiary procedures.