The First Amendment does not allow a person to videotape if it causes a disruption, endangers public safety or violates confidentiality laws afforded to justice-involved adults and youth.

“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 any Probation facility lobby or waiting area the following steps should be taken:

1.    Front window staff or the staff member who first observes the activity shall advise the highest-ranking officer in the building that is available that a member of the public is videotaping in the lobby or waiting area w.  The highest-ranking officer will determine how best to handle the situation.

2.    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 (e.g. Penal Code Sections 1203.5 and 1203.10 or Welfare and Institutions Section 827).  

3.    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.

4.    Videotaping at the Juvenile Services Center is prohibited when there are juveniles and/or parents present in the lobby.