Absent extenuating circumstances, members shall not use a cellular telephone or other similar communication/recording device for a Department-related tactical purpose (i.e., coordinating field units to a radio call, advising other units of possible suspect locations) when an established, Department-authorized communication device/system is available, and/or a Department-authorized regulation/protocol has been established (e.g., Department radio and communications systems etc.).
NOTE: This prohibition shall apply to the use of the cellular telephone for both voice communications as well as data (text) communications.
Members shall not use a personal cellular telephone or any other similar personal communication or recording device to record, store, document, catalog, transmit, and/or forward any image, document, scene, or environment captured as a result of their employment and/or while performing official Department business that is not available or accessible to the general public. Official Department business shall include, but is not limited to, confidential, sensitive, or copyrighted information that is printed, audio recorded, photographed, or video recorded; information related to any past, present, or anticipated criminal, civil, or administrative investigation, including reports, declarations, evidence, photographs, videos, or audio recordings; and/or photographs of suspects, arrestees, defendants, evidence, or crime scenes.
In addition, Department members who respond to scenes where human remains are present shall be guided by MPP section 5-09/475.00, Photographs/Recordings at Scenes Where Human Remains are Present.
NOTE: A personal cellular telephone or any other similar personal communication or recording device used exclusively to record contacts with members of the public during legitimate Department business (e.g., traffic stops, etc.) are exempt from the provisions of this section.