Back in 2016, the United States Department of Justice reported that over 69% of law enforcement agency vehicles had dash cams, or in-car video systems for law enforcement professionals, installed. At the time, dash cams were still considered somewhat of a newer tool in the police arsenal.
Why Consider Dash Cams for Law Enforcement Agency Vehicles?
Dash cams provide a crucial layer of transparency, accountability, and evidence gathering in the line of duty. They record a continuous loop of video footage, capturing crucial moments during traffic stops, pursuits, and various interactions with the public. The objective and unbiased nature of dash cam footage serves as a reliable source of evidence in investigations, helping to clarify events and providing an accurate account of incidents.
Dash camera technology not only aids in documenting the actions of law enforcement officers but also protects them from false accusations, ensuring that justice is served based on verifiable information. In-car video systems also contribute to fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability that benefits both officers and the public.
The market offers many good options available, and below you will find the criteria necessary to make an educated decision.
Dashcam Technology: Evolution that Renders Affordability
At one time, car video cameras were mere hard-drive repositories of video footage, inefficient and unreliable at times when needed. Dash cam technology has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Hardware now has a system of interconnected devices, combining multiple cameras and audio recording terminals. Software optimization renders higher resolution than ever at lighter compression formats, allowing faster video file sharing.
What features are non-negotiable when choosing dash cam solutions for police cars?
After reviewing many options available and considering the specific features that security agencies require from dash cam solutions, the following is a checklist that will help you make an educated purchase when implementing the technology for your vehicle or fleet:
HD Video Resolution: Not all cameras within a dash cam system might record in full HD resolution. Most of the time, front and interior cameras should provide the best image quality available since they will capture most of the action surrounding your vehicle. Interior cameras should have a wide FOV so they can be installed anywhere in the cabin and be capable of IR or low light recording.
Field of View: Wide-angle lenses are the way to capture wider surroundings and gather as much detail as possible. Additionally, you can look for a system with superior telephoto capability to see details that are further away with greater accuracy.
Audio Recording: Make sure your dash cam system includes microphones or is compatible with peripheral recording terminals that can be controlled from within and outside the vehicle. Make sure you compare the range and transmission capabilities of the dash cams you consider. Compatibility with wireless microphones is important for capturing audio outside the vehicle.
Easy Interaction: Look for devices with a clean interface that is always ready to capture evidence. Also, evaluate the accessibility to review video footage at the patrol car immediately after capture.
Data Management and Storage: Some dash cameras have systems that provide an efficient means for managing video evidence, making use of dash cam footage faster and easier. The ability to classify footage and securely share it with prosecutors, the media, and other pertinent parties is a critical feature.
Choose a Camera to Meet Your Fleet Needs
As many options available in the market will surface, we often evaluate thinking on single-vehicle usage. Still, the right decision is for a fleet to work under one system in most cases. So try to find the best option that suits your checklist while keeping an affordable investment when upgrading your vehicles.
Argus ICV is a dependable choice that captures both wide-angle and telephoto views simultaneously in 1080p. The telephoto lens can be pivoted to capture the most important perspectives in the moment. This also enables an enhanced live view for users.
Thanks to its HD wide view, Argus In-Car Video’s interior camera can be mounted wherever is most convenient. It also uses infrared technology to make sure that nothing is missed.
Users can review and classify footage directly from the Argus ICV’s Android-powered tablet. The interface makes it easy to view multiple feeds or focus on a single camera to view the live feed or review footage to see what exactly was caught on camera. Argus Data Vault provides a compatible video evidence file management system. ADV combines the power of an easy-to-use back office system with smart fleet management tools.
Contact Kustom Signals to learn more.