The special investigations unit has portable video equipment which can be deployed at special events, in areas experiencing specific crime concerns, or as otherwise authorized by the SIU Commander, Deputy Chiefs, Assistant Chief, or the Chief.
The portable video equipment is designed for short term events or neighborhood concerns and is not meant to be used as a long term solution.
REQUESTS:
Requests for deployment of the portable video equipment will be made from a district commander or unit commander responsible for the event or neighborhood problem. The request will be submitted by email to the SIU Commander and will include the following information:
- Description of the problem.
- The estimated length of time of deployment.
- The specific deployment location.
- The specific direction/address/intersection the equipment should be focused on.
- The availability of permanently installed CCTV in the area.
- The availability of a direct power source.
- The name and contact information of the requesting unit.
Requests for the portable video equipment should be made as far in advance as possible.
DEPLOYMENT:
SIU personnel will deploy the portable video equipment and make note of any pre-existing damage to the unit.
SIU personnel will contact CCTV personnel to ensure signal transmission. CCTV personnel will monitor the portable video equipment and contact SIU should a signal be lost.
SIU will conduct periodic checks of the deployed equipment for damage. District command staff will notify patrol officers through roll calls of the deployment. Patrol officers should visually inspect the equipment/trailer and notify a supervisor of any suspected damage.If damage is suspected, the supervisor will ensure a report is written.
The incident commander of a special event will ensure reports are written documenting any damage to the portable video equipment while deployed at the event.
Photographs will be taken of any suspected damage and uploaded to the media vault.
VIDEO RETENTION/VIEWING:
SIU personnel do not have the ability to review video. District/unit command staff and investigators needing to review video will utilize the video request form located on the intranet.
Video from the portable equipment will be recorded and stored on the CCTV system. Video will be maintained for 14 days after the end of the short term deployment period then purged by CCTV staff unless a formal written request, via the department video request form, has been submitted to CCTV to retain and enter the video as evidence.
CARE/MAINTENANCE:
The special investigations unit commander will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the portable video equipment. If any portable video equipment becomes unusable due to damage or end of life, the equipment will be removed from use and the Deputy Chief of Major Crimes will be notified.
Issued September 29, 2016