Who owns all photographs and electronic images taken by department members while on duty?

Photographs and electronic images captured by department members while on duty are owned by the City of Oklahoma City. This policy aligns with the principle that work-related materials produced by employees during their official duties are generally the property of the employer. The rationale behind this is to ensure that all visual documentation created in the course of performing job responsibilities can be properly managed, utilized, and archived by the city for public safety, legal, and historical purposes. Ownership by the City also protects vital information and maintains accountability and transparency within the fire department’s operations.