Department of Fish and Wildlife: enforcement: patrol vehicle mounted video and audio systems.

Existing law establishes the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the Natural Resources Agency, and generally charges the department with the administration and enforcement of the Fish and Game Code. Existing law provides that all employees of the department designated by the Director of Fish and Wildlife as deputized law enforcement officers are peace officers, as defined. This bill would authorize the department to install patrol vehicle mounted video and audio systems, commonly known as dashboard cameras, in patrol vehicles used by the department's peace officers. The bill would authorize a peace officer to use a patrol vehicle mounted video and audio system to record any communications or other actions involving the officer while the officer is in uniform and acting within the scope of his or her authority. The bill would require the department to adopt a policy to establish standards regarding the activation of patrol vehicle mounted video and audio systems and the preservation and retention of recordings from patrol vehicle mounted video and audio systems, subject to specified requirements.