When video evidence is mishandled, an entire case may be compromised. If digital evidence is not properly collected, stored, or documented, it can be called into question. Any changes or alterations, even if accidental, can make the evidence inadmissible in court. Proper tracking of who accessed or handled the evidence is needed to eliminate a broken chain of custody issue that would cast doubt on the authenticity and reliability of the evidence, leading to potential dismissal.
Collect Evidence on a Trusted Video Recording Device
The first key element in handling video evidence properly is to collect it on a trusted video recording device. These devices, including body-worn cameras (BWCs) and in-car video systems, must be reliable, easy to use, and able to capture high-quality footage.
BWCs, like Argus Body Worn Camera, can offer the advanced technology officers need when putting their trust in a body-worn video recording device. Argus BWC features include:
- A selectable resolution of 1080p/30fps or 720p/30fps for clearly defined video capture
- Up to 12 hours of recording capacity when set to the 1080p resolution and up to 28 hours of recording capacity when set to the 720p resolution
- A long battery life with 12 hours of recording time plus a live swap feature, so officers can go up to 24 hours without having to stop and recharge
It’s also crucial that any in-car video system has high-quality recording capabilities while being convenient to use. Consider Argus In-Car Video (ICV) Dual View Camera:
- It features a selectable resolution of 1080p, 720p, and 480p.
- It captures both wide-angle and telephoto views simultaneously in 1080p.
- It has a 130-degree wide angle and 46-degree telephoto with rotation, plus an HD interior camera with an infrared wide angle.
Both of these Argus police cameras capture audio and video evidence simultaneously.
BWCs and in-car video systems are important tools used daily to collect essential evidence needed in order to convict criminals while keeping citizens as well as law enforcement safer.
Analyze Data on Digital Evidence Management Software
Once the video evidence has been properly recorded on a trusted device like Argus BWC or Argus ICV, the data requires analysis.
Data analysis on digital evidence management software should be able to integrate seamlessly with the recording devices to retrieve the necessary footage for any and all investigations, internal reviews, and court proceedings. It should also be able to perform multiple actions such as real-time fleet tracking, multi-camera synchronized playback, as well as the redaction of faces or identities of bystanders in revealing clips.
Argus Data Vault is state-of-the-art video evidence file management software. It’s been designed with one-touch facial redaction to create the easy removal of faces or identities of bystanders. With this type of one-touch redaction, your video evidence can be processed faster without the need for external services or wasting work hours on processing the video files manually.
Maintain a Documented Chain of Custody
Maintaining a documented chain of custody is the next extremely important step in the proper handling of video evidence. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines a chain of custody as:
“A process that tracks the movement of evidence through its collection, safeguarding, and analysis lifecycle by documenting each person who handled the evidence, the date/time it was collected or transferred, and the purpose for the transfer.”
Choose the Right Software
Agencies need video management software that doesn’t allow for the alteration of original files and that keeps full metadata. Look to Argus Data Vault to easily integrate with both Argus BWC and Argus ICV to securely manage all your video evidence and to provide the needed alerts from the devices deployed in the field, so your management team is immediately alerted when an officer requires assistance.
Other important features include:
- Comprehensive audit reports and tracking to enable a clear route for the movement of evidence needed to establish a chain of custody
- The ability to activate a remote live-view feed from enabled devices as needed
- Advanced search capabilities as well as simple search to make it easier to streamline utilization
- Allows for easy export of encrypted media to be used for local playback
- Can create expirable links for both internal and external evidence sharing
Utilize Key Methods: Expiring Links
Sharing information and case evidence with outside organizations, including the media, is something all law enforcement agencies have to do. It must be done in the right way and without compromising the case. Expiring links are key. Don’t let your shared files be saved to an outside source permanently.
Argus Data Vault does that for you, creating expirable links not only for sharing with outside sources but for internal evidence sharing as well.
Rely on Kustom Signals
Contact us today to discuss more details about Argus Body Worn Camera, Argus In-Car Video, and Argus Data Vault and how these high-quality, technically advanced products can help your agency better handle video evidence.