Why Video Cameras Are Essential in Law Enforcement
Why Video Cameras Are Essential in Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies and other uniformed services necessitating critical video evidence or monitoring need an integrated system that fits their personnel. Whether a policeman responding to a crime or a paramedic executing a CPR, a compact camera such as body-worn helps them collect proof or connects them to a command center.
Mobile video devices fitted in cars or body-worn prove an essential tool not just in law enforcement. Other industries that could benefit are fire and rescue departments, EMT services, road and freeways construction personnel, private business with staff members on fieldwork, etc.
Body-Worn Cameras
Most local and state law enforcement agencies in the U.S. use body-worn cameras for their police officers. Police officers generally wear the devices in the performance of duties. The requirements for open and direct contact with the general public make this gadget a vital tool.
Agencies that take transparency issues seriously find body-worn cameras very helpful. Producing critical videos for proof doesn’t count on a pre-event recording. Some gadgets on the market work even if you fail to remember to push a record button; you can even browse back for video recordings several days after the event unfolds. So no more reason to stress over missing videos.
Features and Benefits
- Keep officers connected to the agency command center
- Automatic wireless recording
- Integrated with the in-car system
- Natural field of view
- Easy incidence recovery
In-Car Video System
Police car camera systems are prevalent in most police departments, and for a good reason. Although statistically speaking, assaults on officers during traffic apprehensions are unusual, there were incidences of fatal assaults in the past. A video recording system adds safety to the officers on duty.
Both the agency and the general public likewise benefit from this gadget. Studies show that it decreases the agency’s liability; and lowers the risk of cops’ use of force on the people.
Features and Benefits
- Increase safety for officers and the public
- Provides transparency to the community
- Provide more leads to crime solving
- Improves conviction rate
- Integrated with body-worn cameras
- Secured data backup and transfer
Do these compact cameras replace the standard two-way radios?
Not at all; mobile two-way radios continue to be the primary communication device in the industry. Portable cameras serve different purposes, and a communication function is not one of them. However, having a body-worn camera, in-car system, and two-way radios makes the officer very effective on foot, in the vehicle, and at the station.You can learn more about quality two-way radio units here.
Do you need Wi-Fi for these devices?
No, a better option is a private LTE network such as a Tele-Rad. LTE functions better than Wi-Fi when it comes to area coverage. LTE allows more integrity and power than a Wi-Fi system, whether high-priority broadband data or real-time video transfer.
Conclusion
Both body-worn and in-car video systems deliver crucial functions to law enforcement agencies. Most are available with features that allow the officers to upload their camera unit’s recording to the agency’s cloud.
Today’s dash cameras are so advanced that even private vehicles install these gadgets on their cars, and motorcycle riders attach the camera to their safety helmets. The technology is now available for the public, not just law enforcers and frontliners. Nevertheless, having video evidence is one way for the police officers to support the integrity of their actions.