Chapter 1 – General Administration

13010.17 Photographs, Films, and Audio and Video recordings

• The department has no control over photographs, films, or video recordings taken of CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities, employees, incarcerated people, parolees, or CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation equipment when the person taking the photograph is not on state or institution property under CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s jurisdiction. This includes, but is not limited to, the photographing or recording of  incarcerated community work crews, fire crews, presentations by incarcerated people in schools and other public locations, those being transported on public streets and highways, etc.

• People are prohibited from interrupting, interfering, or communicating with an incarcerated person being transported or working off institution grounds without prior authorization of the staff person in charge or institution head.

• Photographs, films, videotapes, digital videotapes and photographs, floppy disks, compact disks, memory cards, memory sticks, or any other recorded media other than for official purposes, which reveal an incarcerated person’s identity, may be taken within an institution, camp, community correctional facility, or parole office subject to the following conditions:

  • An incarcerated person shall be required to sign a CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 146 Inmate Declaration to News Media Contact before any photographing, audio recording, filming, videotaping, or video recording that clearly identifies the individual.

  • An incarcerated person’s consent is not required where individuals in such settings as an exercise yard or dining hall are not singled out or where the identity of an incarcerated person is not revealed; however, before any  photographs are taken or filming is done, they shall be advised so those who do not want to be recognized may turn away or leave the area.

  • Photographs taken or filming of incarcerated people may be in any appropriate location such as on their job or other assignment, with their artwork, playing an instrument, etc., depending on the news or feature story under development.