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
Councilmember-Requested Item Report
DATE
October 7, 2025 (Continued from the Regular City Council meeting of September 16, 2025, Item No. 29)
TOPIC
SAPD In-Car Video Recording Policy with Automatic Activation for Pursuits and Emergency Responses
COUNCILMEMBER-REQUESTED ITEM TITLE
Discuss and Consider Providing Direction to the City Manager to Develop and Implement a Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) Policy Requiring the Installation and Use of In-Car Video Recording Systems in all Patrol Vehicles, with Automatic Activation during Vehicular Pursuits, Code-3 Responses, and Other Critical Enforcement Activities, and to Return to the City Council within 90 Days with a Final Policy and Implementation Plan
DISCUSSION
Background
The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) currently deploys body-worn cameras (BWCs) for sworn personnel. However, certain incidents, particularly high-speed pursuits or other emergency responses, are not always fully captured by BWCs.
In-car video systems (sometimes referred to as dash cams) offer a wider field of view, automatically record vehicle movement and officer actions, and provide critical evidence for both criminal proceedings and administrative investigations. Automatic activation technology, typically triggered by lightbar/siren engagement, ensures that key events are recorded without relying solely on manual activation by officers.
Several California law enforcement agencies have adopted similar requirements:
• Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD): Requires activation of its Digital In-Car Video System (DICVS) during Code-3 responses and pursuits. • Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD): Requires in-car audio/video recording to begin automatically when overhead lights are activated, continuing until the incident concludes.
These policies have been shown to enhance transparency, reduce litigation risk, improve officer safety, and strengthen community trust.
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
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
enhance transparency, strengthen community trust, and protect both officers and the public. This policy will ensure key incidents are consistently documented, improve the quality of evidence, reduce liability, and align SAPD operations with state best practices and legal standards.
SUBMITTED BY
Councilmember Jessie Lopez
EXHIBIT(S)
None