The Saint Paul Police Department is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission for operation of its communication equipment. It is therefore imperative that every officer follows the guidelines for proper use of all equipment owned and/or operated by the Saint Paul Police Department. Radio and mobile data communications tools are subject to state and federal laws as well as city civil service and Saint Paul Police Department rules and regulations. MDC’s include squad laptops and mobile tablet, I-pad type devices used for official business.

The use of MDCs to relay non-police related business will not be tolerated.

  1. All radio, computer and mobile data communications shall be of an official police nature.

  2. All radio, computer and mobile data communications shall be preceded by an officer’s identifier, i.e., call number for that date and assignment.

  3. All radio, computer and mobile data communication shall be delivered clearly and concisely in the English language. All editorial comments, jokes, or innuendoes directed toward any individual or group, in explicit or cryptic form, which may be offensive, hostile or intimidating, are strictly prohibited.

  4. All radio, computer and mobile data communications are preserved and available for review.

  5. While using a MDC device, as defined in 440.00: Digital Evidence and Data Practices 235.00, and 235.50 Evidence, all imagery, video and audio recordings, media vault, items from Records management systems or other similar items that are taken, recorded or obtained while within the scope of the officer’s authority are the intellectual property of the department.Storage, destruction, copying, releasing or other dissemination will be in compliance with general orders and laws.

Revised May 4, 2018

Last Edited: May 4, 2018