Probation Department Policy/Procedure Manual
3.16 Videotaping in Public Buildings and of Public Employees
| Location |
Facility and Staff |
| Section |
N/A |
| Subject |
3.16 Videotaping in Public Buildings and of Public Employees |
| Purpose |
A member of the public is protected by the Constitution under the rights to freedom of the press and freedom of expression, to videotape areas of the Probation Department that are open to the public. |
| Effective Date |
9/10/2019 |
| Previous Effective Date |
|
The Frist Amendment does not allow a person to videotape if it causes a disruption, endangers public safety or violates confidentiality laws afforded to juveniles.
“Disruption” is defined as any behavior by the person videotaping that jeopardizes the safety of employees or others near the vicinity of the lobby, in the lobby or obstructs employees in the performance of their duties. Should a disruption occur in the lobbies of Casa Loma or Juvenile Services, the following will step shall be adhered.
- Front window staff shall advise the highest-ranking officer in the building that is available that a member of the public is videotaping in the lobby when they first become aware of the activity. The highest-ranking officer will determine how best to handle the situation.
- The situation will be assessed to determine if the videotaping is a disruption to the operations or employees of the department, or whether the videotaping may violate any laws that protect client confidentiality.
- If it is determined that the videotaping is a disruption, the officer will request the person videotaping to exit the building. If the person refuses to leave the building, the officer will have the discretion to remove the person from the building when it can be safely accomplished with other available officers in the building or by requesting assistance from the San Luis Obispo Police Department or the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.
- Videotaping at the Juvenile Services Center is prohibited when there are juveniles and/or parents present in the lobby.