Page 85 - City of Farmington Administrative Regulations

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Effective Date: September 16, 2015 Subject: Personnel

AR-15-2

AN ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION GOVERNING THE SECRET RECORDING, WIRETAPPING OR
EAVESDROPPING OF CONVERSATIONS OR ADMINISTRATIVE MEETINGS

Section I: Purpose
Provide guidance on the use of government owned or personal recording devices, including cell phones,
while on work time or within work spaces. As well as, to eliminate the unsettling effect on the
expression of views that may exist when one person is concerned that his or her conversation with
another is being secretly recorded. This concern can inhibit the spontaneous and honest dialogue,
especially when sensitive or confidential matters are being discussed. Concern over being secretly
recorded may also Interfere with the performance of job responsibilities and effective operations.
Section 2: Scope/ Application

All City of Farmington employees excluding Farmington Police Department employees who shall follow
Farmington Police Department Policy 199-01 in relation to their line of work.

Section 3: Statement of Polley
The use of recording devices to secretly record, wiretap or eavesdrop on City business related
conversations with others is prohibited without their prior consent. Tampering with any communication
system without authorization by City of Farmington employees, including contractors Is also prohibited.
This includes any audio or video recording devices. If an unauthorized recording device is found,
employees should not remove, disconnect or tamper with any devices and should notify their supervisor
immediately.
Administrative meetings will be recorded as outlined in the personnel rules or other administrative
regulations.

DEFINITIONS-
A. Eavesdropping: Interception, through use of electronic equipment, of a conversation involving one or
more individuals without the knowledge and consent of all of the participants.

B. Wiretapping: The direct or inductive coupling of an electronic device to any line, or system, transmitting
communications without the knowledge and consent of all the participants.

C. Recording: The use of a tape recorder, or similar device, to record the oral communication occurring on
communication systems, or in meetings, without the knowledge and consent of all the participants. This
includes the use of portable, handheld recording devices which can be held up to the earpiece of a telephone.

D. Unauthorized Recording Device: An electronic device used to record conversations, meeting
proceedings, confidential discussions, or any other private matter, without the knowledge or consent of the
participants involved.

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