26-082 Protocol for Requesting SFMTA Video Footage And the Tracking of SFMTA Related Incident Reports
Department Notice
This document is not an official representation of the published policy. To access the official signed policy, please submit a request through our Public Records Request Portal.
The purpose of this notice is to outline protocol for officers requesting video footage for incidents related to San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). This notice also provides the procedure for tracking MUNI related incidents.
MUNI and SFMTA cameras cover the following:
| Bus stops and platforms | Buses |
| Transit Stations | Light Rail Vehicles (LRV) |
| Warehouses | Cable Cars |
| Bus/Train yards | SFMTA owned vehicles |
Requesting SFMTA Footage
The SFPD MTA K9 Unit does not request or collect video evidence.
For all video requests, at any time of the day, contact Allied Universal Security (415) 565-3172. Advise Allied Universal Security whether your request is of an emergency, urgent, or routine in nature. Officers investigating any incident that occurred on or in the vicinity of the above listed locations, including incidents involving a working SFMTA employee, should adhere to the following procedures.
- Provide Allied Universal Security with a brief synopsis of the incident as well as the following information:
- Exact date and time of the incident
- Coach number
- Line number
- Run number
- Direction of travel of the vehicle (inbound or outbound)
- Distinctive clothing worn by the suspect(s) and/or victim(s)
- SFPD Incident Number
- If the crime committed results in great bodily injury or death, direct the operator to not move the vehicle. It is the responsibility of the SFPD investigator or SFPD supervisor to determine the disposition of the vehicle.
- Allied Security Staff and/or SFMTA staff will send the video through a Genetec Clearance link after the video is retrieved.
- If necessary, review the video and/or image(s) with Allied Universal Security personnel immediately. When needed, download the video (or image(s) needed), and distribute the suspect's image(s) immediately to officers in the field to increase the likelihood of apprehension.
- If a MUNI Inspector responds to the scene, document the Inspector's name, as well as the MUNI unit identifier in the police report narrative.
- Interview the Allied Universal Security (or SFMTA) employee and determine exactly who recovered the evidence, when, and from where. Document this information in the incident report narrative.
SFMTA surveillance video is generally retained for a period of 3 to 5 days. It is important that requests for SFMTA surveillance videos be made in a timely manner to avoid losing evidence.
Tracking MUNI related incidents
Forward all felonious or violent misdemeanor MUNI related incident and /or arrest reports to the appropriate investigative detail. Additionally, members shall email a copy to the SFPD MUNI K9 Unit at [Redacted].
If video evidence is not provided in a timely manner or issues arise in obtaining video, the investigator shall submit a memorandum to the Commander of the Special Operations Bureau.
/s/
NICOLE JONES
Acting Chief of Police