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Public Safety officers deal with a variety of situations every single shift. To help protect them and the citizens, many departments are beginning to implement cameras in the field. These cameras are put in the squad vehicles and now being worn on the officer. But, what good is this technology if the user must remember to always turn it on? It’s not, therefore the cameras are being developed with many different triggers, Bluetooth and wireless capabilities so when the user is in a situation the technology will be ready to capture what is happening.
There are many triggers that can be configured between in-car camera systems and body worn cameras. Cameras will begin recording automatically as a response to any trigger that is put in place. It is up to each department to put a policy in place that will work to ensure the officers can continue with work and not have to focus on recording videos. In-car systems use the vehicle and sensors in the vehicle as triggers. When in the car, video will begin recording when any number of triggers have been tripped. These triggers vary from the siren and lights being turned on, to the door opening and even gun removal. Other sensors used as triggers are the seatbelt, speed of the vehicle, geo-zones. Another trigger that plays a big roll are the crash sensor and airbag deployment triggers, these triggers use redundant video and even have prerecord. In case of an accident those triggers will make sure there is no action that is missed.
Once outside of the car the in-car, it is difficult for in-car cameras to record a situation, especially if a suspect moves out of the camera view. Therefore, departments are implementing the use of body worn cameras to capture as much of a situation as possible. Body worn cameras use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to connect and activate when triggered. These also work in conjunction with in-car cameras and other sensors. Body worn cameras can be activated when a car door is opened, the holster safety is released, geo-zones and voice activation. Some body worn cameras even use accelerometers, that will begin recording when an officer takes off running or is caught in a physical struggle.
With many options for camera recording triggers, it is extremely important that each department set a policy in place to understand what the most effective triggers will be. With that we ask, what triggers you?
If you would like more information on in-car video or body worn camera technology, let us know!