SACRAMENTO – On May 21, 2023, Association of Motor Vehicle Investigators of California (AMVIC) President Kenneth Ehrman and California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Senior Counsels Jim Vitko and Ryan Navarre met with California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Chief of investigation to discuss the implementation of Telematics devices on all of the vehicles in DMV’s Investigations Division.  

“We appreciate the chief’s time in discussing how the data will be used in the Investigations Division and addressing employee concerns by emailing those in the Division,” said Ehrman. “At AMVIC and CSLEA, it is important that we listen to our members and have an open line of communication with the chief.”

Telematics devices have already been installed on many DMV vehicles with the exception of the Investigations Division which was attempting to get an exemption. The exemption was denied and the Investigations Division is now required to have telematics devices installed.

Although Telematics will be used to monitor information related to driver safety, which includes speed, union representatives were assured that access to data would be limited to the Department of General Services (DGS) and Special Operations Command.  CSLEA and AMVIC were also told that the data will not be used as the sole basis for disciplinary action unless the driving behavior or vehicle use constitutes cause for disciplinary action as defined in Government Code 19572.

“Telematics data usage will be limited to the Special Operations Command who currently has access and uses the information for internal affairs investigations,” Chief Christina Michel stated in her email.  “The data may be used to support disciplinary action but will not be the sole bases for disciplinary action unless the driving behavior or vehicle use constitutes cause for disciplinary action as defined in Government Code 19572.” 

The chief continued by thanking the Division’s personnel for its great work and continued efforts within the Investigations Division.

CSLEA and AMVIC will continue to monitor the issue to ensure the proper use of telematic information.