Lakewood Police Department Policy and Procedure		Effective Date: 12/15/2023
	Policy Number: PP-3725 - Use of Portable Voice Recorders

A. Policy

The purpose of this procedure is to establish working relationships based upon cooperation and trust. The surreptitious recording of co-workers creates disharmony and is disruptive to a cohesive workplace.  

B. Procedure 

1. Police employees may carry a portable voice recorder at their own expense. 

2. Anytime a police employee records any portion of a contact with a citizen that results in the assignment of a case report number, the employee shall download the file in accordance with current procedure for storing digital files.

1. No police employee may surreptitiously or openly record a conversation with other city employees unless all persons being recorded are aware that they are being recorded and agree to being recorded. If an employee is unable to inform co-workers that a recording is being made and obtain their consent, then no recording is permitted. This prohibition applies in the workplace and while any employee is acting in performance of their duties. This restriction does not apply to: 

a. Police employees authorized by the Chief of Police or designee for the purpose of conducting a criminal or administrative investigation; or 

b. Department training exercises.   

2. Any audio recording must be made in compliance with state laws, C.R.S.16-15-102, C.R.S. 18-9-303, and C.R.S. 18-9-304, pertaining to wiretapping and eavesdropping.