In today’s law enforcement landscape, body worn cameras (BWCs) and in-car video systems (ICVs) are essential tools for maintaining transparency, accountability, and officer safety. These devices capture critical video evidence during interactions with the public, whether it’s routine traffic stops or high-stakes emergency situations. But with so many features available, how do you know which ones are essential for your department?
Evaluating System Capabilities and Your Specific Needs
When evaluating which features are most necessary for your body worn cameras or in-car video systems, it’s important to focus on what will best support your operations, improve safety, and ensure efficient evidence management. In this blog post, we’ll explore the features and considerations of advanced capabilities like 4G connectivity and redaction, and give an overview of Kustom Signals’ solutions, including Argus BWC and Argus ICV systems.
Do We Really Need 4G Connectivity and Redaction?
One of the more popular options for modern law enforcement equipment is 4G connectivity and the ability to automatically redact sensitive information from video footage. These features come with clear advantages, but also some considerations.
4G Connectivity
Advantages & Considerations
- Real-time Access: With 4G-enabled systems, departments can remotely access video footage in real-time. This can be critical during active situations, such as monitoring pursuits, assisting officers in the field, or reviewing footage for immediate decision-making.
- Faster Uploads: With 4G connectivity, you can instantly upload footage to the cloud or departmental servers, eliminating the need for manual transfers or physical storage, which streamlines evidence management.
- Remote Live Streaming: Officers can broadcast video feeds from the field to headquarters or other officers, providing real-time visual information that aids in response planning.
- Data Costs: Constant connectivity and uploads can lead to higher data usage fees, depending on your carrier’s plan. While beneficial, this is an ongoing cost to consider.
Automatic Redaction
Advantages & Considerations
- Efficiency: Redacting sensitive information, such as faces or license plates, can be time-consuming if done manually. An automatic redaction feature saves valuable time and reduces human error.
- Legal Compliance: Redaction features ensure that footage complies with privacy laws and regulations, such as those protecting minors or individuals who were not involved in a crime. This is particularly important for departments with high public scrutiny.
How Important Is Live Streaming and Real-Time Tracking?
Live Streaming
Live streaming is one of the more advanced features available with modern body worn cameras and in-car video systems. It allows real-time streaming of video from the field to a remote location, such as a command center or supervisor’s office.
Advantages & Considerations
- Immediate Situational Awareness: Live streaming gives officers in the field immediate oversight from command staff. Supervisors can see exactly what’s happening in real-time, making it easier to deploy additional resources, monitor high-risk situations, and assist officers with decision-making.
- Enhanced Officer Safety: In critical situations, such as during active shooter events or high-speed chases, live streaming can provide immediate assistance and enable faster response times.
- Real-time Evidence Capture: Live streaming can serve as a powerful tool for recording evidence as incidents unfold. The footage is instantly available for review and can serve as documentation for later investigation or legal proceedings.
- Bandwidth Limitations: Streaming live footage requires a stable and high-bandwidth network. In remote areas with limited cellular coverage this could be a concern. While 4G coverage is widely available throughout the country, an agency could consider choosing a non-connected model rather than a 4G model.
Real-Time Tracking
Real-time tracking allows police departments to monitor the location of officers, vehicles, or equipment as events happen. This is a valuable feature for improving situational awareness and safety during high-risk operations.
Advantages & Considerations
- Improved Officer Safety: Real-time tracking provides supervisors with the ability to monitor officers’ locations and ensure they are in safe areas, especially when responding to dangerous situations.
- Efficient Resource Deployment: By knowing where officers are, command centers can better allocate resources, such as directing backup when necessary or ensuring the quickest response to emergencies.
- Documentation: Real-time tracking can also serve as a record of an officer’s location during specific events, which can be vital for accountability and transparency.
Examining Features of Kustom Signals’ Body Worn Cameras and In-Car Video Systems
Kustom Signals is committed to providing state-of-the-art body worn cameras and in-car video systems that enhance law enforcement operations and ensure evidence is securely captured. Below are the key features of two of our most popular options.
Argus BWC
Argus body worn Camera is designed with cutting-edge technology to support law enforcement operations, offering essential features such as:
- High-definition video capture for clear, reliable evidence
- Field swappable battery for officers working long shifts or on extended patrols
- One-touch activation to ensure officers can easily start recording during critical situations
- Secure data storage to ensure video footage is safely saved and protected
- Advanced cloud connectivity for seamless upload and access to footage from any device
Argus ICV
Argus In-Car Video System offers powerful features tailored to meet the unique needs of law enforcement agencies:
- Automatic recording is triggered by events like siren activation or crash detection, ensuring that footage is captured during critical moments.
- Real-time video streaming for remote access and real-time situational awareness
- Crash detection technology to secure footage in case of an accident or collision
- Supports a 5” Android touch screen display for reviewing footage and adding classifications
Trust Kustom Signals for Camera Equipment Designed to Meet Your Needs
When selecting a body worn camera or in-car video system, it’s essential to focus on the features that will improve operational efficiency, ensure officer safety, and provide reliable evidence capture. While advanced options offer valuable benefits, it’s important to weigh their pros and cons based on your department’s needs.
Kustom Signals offers reliable, feature-rich body worn cameras and in-car video systems that are designed to meet the rigorous demands of law enforcement. Whether you’re looking for simple, secure video capture or advanced real-time capabilities, Kustom Signals has the tools to support your department’s goals.
If you’re considering implementing these systems, contact Kustom Signals today for experienced guidance on selecting the right solution for your department.