BILL ANALYSIS Ó Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary Senator Kevin de León, Chair SB 1454 (Gaines) - Fish and wildlife: enforcement: patrol mounted vehicle video and audio system. Amended: As introduced Policy Vote: PS 6-0 Urgency: No Mandate: No Hearing Date: May 12, 2014 Consultant: Marie Liu This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File. Bill Summary: SB 1454 would authorize the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to install mounted video and audio systems in patrol vehicles used by wardens. Fiscal Impact: Cost pressures, of at least several hundreds of thousands of dollars, to the General Fund and various special funds to DFW for dashboard cameras and associated support equipment and staffing. Background: Existing law generally charges DFW with the administration and enforcement of the Fish and Game Code. DFW employees that are designated by the director of DFW (wardens) as deputized law enforcement officers are peace officers as provided by Penal Code §830.2. Proposed Law: This bill would allow DWF to install vehicle mounted video and audio systems in patrol vehicles used by wardens. The warden may use the system to record communications and other actions involving the warden acting within the scope of his or her authority. Staff Comments: This bill would not require the purchase of any dashboard cameras; however, by authorizing their use, staff anticipates that there would be pressure for DFW to exercise this authority. According to DFW, dashboard systems range in cost from $100-450 per unit and there currently 396 wardens. Thus the camera equipment costs can be up to $180,000, noting that DFW would have full flexibility in determining how many, if any, cameras should be installed. DFW's enforcement costs come from a mix of General Fund and special funds (Environmental License Plate Fund, Big Game Fund, and the Fish and Game > (>) Page 1 Preservation Fund). DFW would also incur costs associated with supporting the dashboard cameras, such as a database to store and catalog recordings tape, data storage costs, and warden training regarding the appropriate use of the cameras. These costs would vary greatly depending on the policies that DFW would create regarding the use of the cameras. Staff notes that the use of dashboard cameras can create savings by reducing litigation and investigation costs, which is consistent with other law enforcement's experience with use of recording equipment. However, these savings are uncertain and unquantifiable.