For today’s law enforcement agencies, technology plays an essential role not only in ensuring accountability and transparency, but also in promoting the safety of both officers and civilians. Body-worn cameras (BWC) and in-car video (ICV) are among the most important tech tools for police departments.
Video offers an unbiased and accurate record of interactions and events. Capturing footage for valuable evidence in investigations and legal proceedings, both body-worn and in-car video systems have transformed policing.
The Importance of Camera Tech for Law Enforcement
In-car video systems, also referred to as dash cams, serve as an invaluable layer of surveillance, capturing footage of traffic stops, pursuits, and other law enforcement activities from a vehicular perspective. A study on the impact of video evidence on modern policing reports that in-car video system technology, when properly applied, will “enhance officer safety and provide valuable insight on the effectiveness and application of departmental policies.”
According to a report from the Police Executive Research Forum, studies have consistently found that officers equipped with a BWC have significantly fewer complaints filed against them than officers who do not. In terms of criminal justice, the same research also finds that using BWCs can promote faster disposition of cases and make it easier to pursue cases where the victim does not cooperate, such as domestic violence cases.
Considerations for Camera Replacement
Body-worn cameras or in-car video systems are indispensable. However, they do require maintenance and periodic replacement to ensure their effectiveness and reliability. As an industry leading provider of law enforcement technology, we are often asked how frequently body cameras and in-car video systems should be replaced. There are several key factors to weigh when considering replacement:
Wear and Tear – First responder camera equipment is subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, vibrations, and exposure to debris. Regular maintenance and replacement help mitigate the effects of wear and tear, ensuring reliable performance in challenging situations.
Improved Technology – Newer models often come with improved features such as higher resolution, better low-light performance, longer battery life, and enhanced durability. Keeping up with these advancements ensures that officers have access to the best camera systems available.
System Integration – BWCs and In-car video systems are often part of a broader video management system used by police departments. Compatibility with existing infrastructure and software updates may influence the timing of replacements to maintain seamless integration.
Data Storage and Management – Video data management systems also eventually require updating or replacement. Some have limited flexibility with cloud storage and retrieval, while others may be struggling with outdated software. It is important to support your camera technology with capable storage and evidence management systems.
Legal Requirements – Compliance with laws and regulatory standards concerning video evidence is a priority. Replacing outdated cameras with models that meet current legal standards minimizes the risk of data loss or inadmissible evidence due to technological obsolescence.
Specific Considerations for Body-Worn Cameras
Most BWC units use flash memory as the storage medium. Cells in flash memory wear out over time. Depending on the media, you can get a couple hundred thousand or up to 1 million write cycles. After that, as cells wear, corruption may occur. BWC units that don’t have a removable battery may need replacement after the battery starts to lose capacity. Most of these batteries are LiOn batteries with a life of 300-500 charge cycles. Additional issues that may occur include:
- Impact damage – if not rated for impacts, BWCs can be easily damaged if dropped
- Water damage – If not rated for dust or water ingress, BWC damage can occur over time
The Benefits of Investing in Kustom Signals Camera Technology
Argus Body-Worn Camera
AI-powered Argus Body-Worn Camera technology from Kustom Signals offers a host of proven features and advantages for law enforcement, including:
- Utilizes voice commands to trigger recordings, including pre-configured common phrases
- Automatically triggers recording by events including running, falls, unholstering a weapon, and more
- Sends real-time alerts back to Argus Data Vault to allow for situation assessment
- Allows administration to see exactly what the officer sees and locate them via GPS
- 4G capable and 12-hour battery life with live swappable battery
- Proximity activation for other Argus BWC or Argus In-Car Video devices
- Seamless pairing with the Argus In-Car Video system
Argus In-Car Video
Argus ICV HD Dual View Camera captures both a wide angle and telephoto views simultaneously in 1080p. Review and classify footage on Argus ICV’s Android-powered tablet. The interface makes it easy to view multiple feeds or focus in on a single camera to view the live feed or review footage to see what exactly was caught on camera.
Use Argus ICV with your Argus BWC to enable bi-directional activation. Rely on the AI-based activation triggers for Argus BWC to ensure you’re always recording when needed, or rely on the multiple activation triggers available with Argus ICV to ensure Argus BWC is recording when it is needed most. Argus ICV can be highly customized to use multiple activation triggers such as geo-fencing, lightbar activation, door opening, and much more.
Argus Data Vault
When it comes to digital evidence management systems, Argus Data Vault offers multiple cost-saving benefits for law enforcement agencies. It offers the flexibility of being deployed on-site or in the cloud, and is designed for airtight chain of custody, including the ability to create expirable links for evidence sharing, both internally and externally.
Many departments struggle with the excessive amount of time it takes to properly edit and redact evidence. Argus Data Vault features one-touch redaction, making it faster and easier to prepare evidence for court cases and when it’s needed for public access. The original evidentiary files remain intact even after on-touch facial redaction is used.
Contact Kustom Signals to learn more.