Except as otherwise provided for in this policy, no employee may photograph, tape, or otherwise record any person, document, conversation, communication, or activity that in any way involves the City or employees of the City, any client or any other individual with whom the City is doing business or intending to do business in any capacity (for example vendors, suppliers, consultants, attorneys, or independent contractors). The authorized copying of documents in the ordinary course of business for the benefit of the company is not prohibited by this policy.
"Photographing," "taping," and "recording" under this policy, includes taking still or video pictures (film or digital) or recording any conversation or communications, regardless of whether the conversation or communication takes place in person, over the telephone, or via any other communications device or equipment, and regardless of the method used to tape or record (for example, tape recorder, video recorder, mechanical recording, or wiretapping equipment), and regardless of where the conversation or communication takes place (i.e., on or off the company's premises). "Taping" or "recording" also include photographing or recording digital images through cameras of any kind (for example, camera phones or concealed cameras). Limited exceptions will apply where the photographing, taping, or recording is being conducted by an individual who has been provided advance written authorization for the activity by an authorized member of management.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action against the offending employee(s), up to and including discharge. Where the conduct engaged in was illegal, violators may also be subject to prosecution under applicable federal, state or local laws.