Are traffic stops recorded?

[mcdo]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? South Carolina

Are traffic stops recorded (audio and video)? If so, should the officer inform you during the stop?

[lwpat]

It depends on the department and the equipment they have installed in the cruisers. The majority of stops are either recorded on video or audio and they are not required to notify you.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by lwpat

It depends on the department and the equipment they have installed in the cruisers. The majority of stops are either recorded on video or audio and they are not required to notify you.

This varies by state. In CA the overwhelming majority of stops are NOT recorded in any form.

- Carl

[lwpat]

This varies by state

Correct. My reply was about South Carolina only. Most if not all of the State Troopers are equipped with audio/video. Unfortunately we have had several cases lately where the video showed the trooper beating the suspect. One case made the national news. Many SC ciites also have video/audio and all the DUI task force cars are equipped.

There was also a case I believe in Alabama where the camera captured the Sheriff planting drugs in the suspects car. This is the county that sent all the deputies and their wives to a drug training class in Aspen with confiscated money.

The point is the video can work both ways and you should always assume that you are being recorded. Admitting to something on tape will doom your chances in court. Be especially careful about any statements made if you are involved in an accident. Sometimes things are not always as they seem and it may be in your best interest to wait until you talk with your attorney.