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Vehicle Camera Decommissioning

How to Remove a Panasonic Arbitrator Camera System

Use this model-neutral checklist to remove the complete Arbitrator installation, preserve required evidence, restore the vehicle, and verify that no powered or loose component remains.

Safety first: Follow the Panasonic/Arbitrator service documentation and your agency’s evidence-retention policy. Remove the key, wait for vehicle modules to sleep, disconnect the negative battery cable before powered wiring is removed, and never leave an unfused lead exposed.
1

Inventory and preserve the system

  • ☐ Photograph every Arbitrator camera, recorder/DVR, monitor, microphone, control switch, GPS antenna, and accessory.
  • ☐ Record model and serial numbers, asset tags, vehicle number, storage media, and connector locations.
  • ☐ Preserve or export recordings according to agency policy before removing the recorder or storage media.
  • ☐ Note the original constant-power, ignition, ground, trigger, audio, and accessory connection points.
2

Shut down and isolate power

  • ☐ Turn the vehicle off and allow the Arbitrator recorder and connected cameras to complete their shutdown process.
  • ☐ Remove the key and wait until the vehicle network/body modules enter sleep mode.
  • ☐ Disconnect and protect the negative battery cable before removing power, ignition, or ground wiring.
  • ☐ Locate every system fuse, fuse tap, relay, inline fuse holder, power-management module, and auxiliary feed.
3

Remove all cameras and controls

  • ☐ Remove forward, rear, cabin, prisoner-transport, side-view, and other installed cameras with their brackets and protective covers.
  • ☐ Remove the in-car monitor, controller/keypad, record/event switch, panic/emergency switch, and status indicators.
  • ☐ Remove microphones, speakers, audio accessories, GPS/GNSS antenna, and any wireless or cellular accessory.
  • ☐ Release connector locks before pulling; support each device so its cable is not used as a handle.
4

Remove recorder, storage, and harnesses

  • ☐ Remove the Arbitrator recorder/DVR, hard drive or removable storage, docking hardware, and mounting tray.
  • ☐ Trace and remove camera, coax, Ethernet, USB, serial, trigger, audio, GPS, power, ground, and ignition harnesses.
  • ☐ Remove cable loom, tape, zip ties, adhesive mounts, brackets, screws, and rivet nuts without disturbing airbags or factory wiring.
  • ☐ Inspect for chafing, pinched wires, drilled panels, water-entry paths, and unused holes.
5

Restore the vehicle wiring

  • ☐ Remove fuse taps only when the original fuse location and factory circuit can be restored correctly.
  • ☐ Repair factory wires with approved terminals, seals, heat-shrink, and loom—not loose twists or tape alone.
  • ☐ Remove aftermarket grounds and restore the factory ground fastener, clean contact surface, and torque condition.
  • ☐ Cap, insulate, and secure any retained wire so it cannot contact chassis metal or interfere with vehicle controls.
6

Complete the release test

  • ☐ Reconnect the battery and check for sparks, smoke, warning lamps, or unexpected module activity.
  • ☐ Test starting, charging, lights, wipers, HVAC, radio, locks, windows, airbags, and other factory safety systems.
  • ☐ Perform a key-off parasitic-draw test after the vehicle sleeps and investigate excessive current.
  • ☐ Scan for diagnostic trouble codes and document any codes or vehicle functions affected by the removal.

Panasonic Arbitrator final checklist

Equipment

All cameras, recorder, storage, monitor, controls, microphones, antennas, brackets, and harnesses accounted for.

Vehicle

Factory circuits restored, trim secured, no exposed terminals, no sharp edges, and no damaged harnesses.

Electrical

Correct fuses and grounds restored, all accessories operate, and sleep current is verified.

Important: Arbitrator packages differ by generation and vehicle. Some include separate power-management, wireless, audio, panic, or auxiliary modules. Treat every module and branch as a separate removal item and use the applicable Panasonic and vehicle-upfit documentation.