When nine out of ten individuals own a smartphone, it’s easy to acknowledge that technology is central to many of today’s activities. Even law enforcement agencies throughout the country rely on advanced digital systems and technology to help get their jobs done safely and with the highest efficiency possible.
In-car video systems are an example of essential technology for law enforcement fleets. While cameras are not a new policing tool, they have come a long way since the first police-captured videos.
Let’s look at the most important reason in-car video systems are essential for law enforcement fleets.
Reduces Department Liability
Video evidence captured using in-car video systems can help reduce a department’s liability. Such footage may bring clarity to a complex situation by eliminating the reliance on human memory when statements are given.
As we’ve written in the past, “Before dash cams were in common use, it was possible for citizens to make counterclaims against arresting officers. This increased the police department’s liability, having to expend time and money to fight these claims.”
The installation of in-car video systems removes the potential conflict of an officer’s word against the subject’s claims. The recorded video becomes the key factor in revealing the events in question in a non-prejudicial way.
In a study by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) regarding the best practices of in-car videos, a survey showed that “in cases where video evidence was available, the officer was exonerated 93% of the time; in 5% of the cases the complaint was sustained.” In addition, “a majority of agencies using cameras reported a higher number of exonerations when there was video evidence of the incident.”
Provides Greater Transparency
Across the nation, there has been a call from the public for better police transparency. In-car video systems help address that concern by bringing clarity to complex situations with video evidence. In-car videos as well as body-worn cameras are essential tools for irrefutable, fact-based evidence.
Argus In-Car Video (ICV) Dual View Camera from Kustom Signals offers high-quality recording capabilities: simultaneous wide-angle and telephoto views in 1080p. Not only is your footage shot at a 130-degree wide angle and a 46-degree rotatable telephoto angle, but the HD interior camera has an infrared wide angle.
Promotes Safety for Officers
When subjects learn they are being recorded, particularly during high-tension or confrontational incidents, those individuals typically back off, resulting in a safer situation for everyone involved.
In the IACP study, more than half of the officers surveyed stated that the presence of their in-car video system (also known as a dash cam) was a mitigating factor in helping to de-escalate dangerous confrontations when the officer explained to the subject that the situation was being recorded. That same study also surveyed citizens and revealed more than half said that if they knew they were being recorded, their behavior would be impacted.
Potential to Increase Conviction Rates
Things happen fast during police incidents, making the need for in-car video systems essential. Each critical moment of a situation is captured, stored, and can be analyzed properly. A reliable and easy-to-use in-car video system like Argus ICV can provide the solid evidence often needed to convince the prosecution, juries, and judges of the irrefutable truth.
Today’s jurors are tech-savvy and want to see video footage. More than 90% of the prosecutors surveyed in the IACP study rated the use of video evidence in the courtroom as successful or highly successful.
Kustom Products for In-Car Camera Systems
Argus In-Car Video (ICV) HD Dual View Camera is the choice of police departments for its advanced technology, versatility, and ability to integrate with Argus Data Vault management software.
Features:
- Argus ICV captures both wide-angle and telephoto views simultaneously in 1080p for exceptional clarity.
- The HD Interior Camera features a wide view, making it easy to mount it where it’s most convenient.
- The HD Interior Camera utilizes infrared to make sure that nothing is missed.
- Argus camera’s telephoto lens can be pivoted as needed, which can help provide an enhanced live view for the officer.
- It’s easy to review and classify captured footage using Argus ICV’s 7” Android-powered tablet.
- With the interface between the camera and tablet, users may view multiple feeds.
Contact us today for more details about Argus In-Car Video system and how it can help improve your law enforcement fleet.