In-Car Camera Systems provide an unbiased, independent account of police/community interactions. They are an investment in the SSMPS’s commitment to delivering accountable and transparent policing services.

Any information inadvertently captured during an interaction will be protected. Specially trained staff will use software to blur out parts of the video containing information that could compromise the privacy of members and the public.

Officers must follow the existing SSMPS policy and guidelines governing the use of the ICCS. Officers shall balance privacy rights with law enforcement needs and shall use discretion when de-activating their camera when it is safe to do so, and the incident allows for it.

Like any other allegation of misconduct, complaints can be made to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency. Once investigated, officers may face any number of disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal.

As part of SSMPS ICCS agreement, the in-car camera data is encrypted and securely stored in a Canadian-based cloud system. Thus, the ICCS data stored in this secure, cloud-base system remains inside Canadian borders.

The San Francisco Police Department began using drones, also called an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), after voters passed Proposition E in March of 2024. This marked the first time SFPD has had air support for officers since 2000.

All request to view or edit the data must be made through the relevant provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and through a Freedom of Information Request. Videos will only be deleted in accordance with retention periods.

Each Patrol Services vehicle features an interior-facing camera that will record occupants in the back seat of patrol vehicles and a front-facing dash camera. These cameras will record interactions between officers and the public, providing valuable and objective evidence for investigations and prosecutions.

The initial phase of Department drone deployment includes six drones. Drones are only used for law enforcement purposes, like criminal investigations and critical incidents.

Recorded data cannot be altered or deleted at any time. It can be viewed in real-time by the recording officer on their Connected Officer device. It can also be viewed by the officer and their supervisor once it has been uploaded to the cloud.

Drones have multiple public safety benefits for the city of San Francisco, including faster response times, increased situational awareness for officers, more precision, the ability to integrate with other technology, and many other uses.

Unlike body-worn cameras, the in-car cameras will only record what is in view of the vehicle or activity in the back seat. Officers are required, by our procedures, to notify people that they are being recorded when the cameras are active.

Whether they are used to legitimize an engagement between an officer and a member of the public, provide evidence in court, or offer an unbiased alternative to allegations of misconduct, every frontline police vehicle will be equipped with ICCS.

All data collected by an ICCS is subject to retention schedules set by our organization and in accordance with existing legislation surrounding Records & Information Management

In-Car Camera systems are devices that are attached to a police cruiser to record audio and video for both outside facing activity and within the prisoner control area of the rear seat

No one is permitted to alter the original data file and any access to the original file is securely logged for auditing purposes.

SFPD has a robust policy on drone usage that complies with federal, state, and local laws and ensures individuals’ constitutional rights are protected.

Call 9-1-1 in case of life-threatening emergencies or crimes in progress (Police, Fire or Medical Emergencies within San Francisco)

For situations that require the police, but do not require an immediate response (e.g., loud parties, a group of juveniles loitering in front of your home, noise complaints).

However, in order to be compliant with various pieces of privacy legislation, it is necessary to create a secondary, vetted version such as for release under a Freedom of Information request. Specially trained staff will create this vetted, secondary file ensuring only the appropriate information is released under the proper circumstances to the proper entity or person.

Sault Police cruisers are equipped with new in-car camera systems to enhance public trust, demonstrate accountability and transparency, and streamline investigations.