Per California Penal Code (PC) section 4575 (a), unauthorized possession of a wireless communication device or any device capable of recording audio and/or video, within any secured area of a Custody Services Division facility, is prohibited. Any person in a local correctional facility who possesses a wireless communication device, including, but not limited to, a cellular telephone, pager, or any wireless internet device, who is not authorized to possess that item, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). For a list of authorized items allowed inside Custody Services Division facilities refer to Custody Division Manual (CDM) section 3-01/090.00, "Security of Personal Property".
A correctional facility is defined as any secured facility, station jail, and/or court lock-up.
Personnel working in the capacity as a Department unit commander and above are authorized to bring a Department-issued wireless device into a secured area of a Custody Services Division facility. Personnel below the position of unit commander and any civilian personnel may request to bring a Department-issued wireless device into a secured area of a Custody Services Division facility with the approval of the concerned Custody Services Division chief. This request shall be submitted via Chief's Memorandum, justifying the need for possession of the wireless device and the effective dates. If approved, the original shall be kept on file at the concerned chief's office.
When a law enforcement investigator has the need to interview a person in custody and wireless communication devices are needed, prior approval by the on-duty watch commander is required. Refer to CDM section 5-10/055.00, "Inmate Interview Procedures for Law Enforcement."
Fire department/emergency medical personnel are allowed to bring in any wireless communication devices (including cellular telephones), which are necessary to the completion of their duties as first responders to medical emergencies.
Attorneys in possession of a valid California State Bar card, representatives from the Office of Inspector General (OIG), and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) representatives (staff, interns, or volunteers with a marked “PROPERTY OF ACLU” laptop) may use laptop computers or tablets in the attorney and public visiting rooms during professional visit with their clients upon signature and agreement of the “Laptop Request and Acknowledgment Form (SH-J-460)” as delineated in CDM section 5-10/030.00, “Attorney and Professional Room Visits.” Laptops computers or tablets shall not be used to record audio, video, take photographs, or to stream video/audio. All wireless connectivity functions shall be turned off and/or set to “airplane mode” or the equivalent.
An approved court order is required for use of face-to-face visiting rooms by attorneys from the Los Angeles County Public Defender and Alternate Public Defender’s Office, however court orders are not required for use of a laptop computer or tablet during the visit. Laptops computers or tablets shall not be used to record audio, video, take photographs, or to stream video/audio. All wireless connectivity functions shall be turned off and/or set to “airplane mode” or the equivalent.
Note: To conduct a face-to-face visit, attorneys, psychologist, and psychiatrist shall have a valid court order in accordance with CDM section 5-10/030.00, “Attorney Room Visits.”