Speeding

No police officers have to obey traffic laws in California?

I had the impression that police officers, especially in a car brand, is "allowed" to do things like drive over the speed limit, making illegal U-turns, drive slowly, and pass over medium when responding to calls, even with their lights off. I thought this because I work in security and know that just because the lights are not lit, does not mean the call is not essential or could not climb. Am I correct in this belief? Can anyone point to specific code of the vehicle on CA this? I have a partner work that insists that the police can do absolutely none of these things unless they are responding with lights and / or siren. He says, for example, if a staff member photo'd by a red light camera, that person receives a fine, even in a police car if you do not respond with lights. Who is right? Thanks.

Your friend is. The police can not simply disobey laws that have sworn to defend.

(California Vehicle Code Fine Automobile Car Insurance)