Can police turn on/off their patrol car computers and dashboard cameras whenever they want?Are they always on?

I thought that while driving, the computer and dash-cam are supposed to be "unchangeable", as in, always on - since they are responsible for all activities while driving the vehicle.
However, recently I heard that they can be turned off by the driver/officer...

depends on the department. most of them restrict the ability to turn the equipment off.

Yes, they can be turned on or off. However, that usually goes against standard procedure. But yes, if you've ever been in a patrol car, you can SEE the "on/off" switch.

If you're wondering if you got caught doing something... yeah... ya did

I guess it depends on what state but in my state...in the night time when they are parked and trying to get the speed demons....they're light has to be turned on for the safety reasons

Yes, they can, when they are on secret mission.

We have our cameras set up to turn on when the blue lights are activated or they are turned on manually. They are always recording so if the officer stops you for running a stop sign and activates the recorded it will back up 2 minutes.