Item 08 - In-Car Cameras at the Santa Ana Police Department

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Police Department www.santa-ana.org/pd Item # 8 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report February 3, 2026 TOPIC: In-Car Cameras at the Santa Ana Police Department AGENDA TITLE In-Car Cameras at the Santa Ana Police Department RECOMMENDED ACTION Receive and file information presented in this report regarding the feasibility of deploying in-car camera systems at the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD). GOVERNMENT CODE 484308 APPLIES: No DISCUSSION At the October 10, 2025 City Council meeting, the Council discussed the potential use of in-car (dash-mounted) cameras in police vehicles and directed the Chief of Police to research the feasibility of implementing such a system within SAPD. Police in-car camera systems have existed since the 1960s, initially focused on driving under the influence (DUI) and traffic enforcement. Their widespread adoption accelerated during the late 1980s and 1990s due to public accountability concerns, and expanded further through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) federal funding in the early 2000s. SAPD previously explored deploying in-car cameras during this time; however, costs and logistical challenges prevented implementation. Nationwide surveys regarding the percentage of police departments using in-car cameras are dated. Still, as of 2016, according to a Bureau of Justice Statistics survey, approximately 69% of police agencies nationwide were using in-car cameras. This number is now likely higher. More recent surveys suggest that over 80% of police departments deploy body-worn cameras (BWCs). In 2017, following extensive research and field testing, SAPD began using Axon- branded BWCs. Officers and detectives are required to activate their cameras during most public contacts and all enforcement activities. The annual cost of the BWC