privacy issue

I'm a municipal employee and required to use a video/audio recorder in my city vehicle. The rules require me to activate the recorder when i'm sent somewhere (includes en route and citizen contact time). I have to turn off the recorder when i'm done with the call for service. I have to turn in my video tape when my work day is over and one of the bosses usually checks all the tapes for quality control etc.

My question is this: If i forget to turn off the recorder when i've completed my call for service will any conversations i have with another person(say i'm on my cell phone or talking to a friend) be considered private?

Having to deal with this mandatory video recorder has bothered me because normal embarrassing humanistic situations such as coughing, sneezing, belching, (let your mind wonder) can occur when i'm having to travel long distances etc.

Also, if i forget to turn off the recorder and say something bad about the boss, can he use my recorded conversation to punish me at work?


Any input or advice will be appreciated.

Lakeman

There is no expectation of privacy at a place of employment, to answer your question---Yes your employer can utilize anything thatr is recorded on that tape to include terminating your employment.

Thank you for your input mlane88.