NCJ Number
145189
Journal
Police and Security News Volume: 9 Issue: 5 Dated: (September-October 1993) Pages: 6-7,55,57-58
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Law enforcement agencies of all sizes are increasingly using video cameras to document criminal activity and add impact to a case.
Abstract
Often, videotapes are so convincing that the defendants will choose either to cooperate or to plead rather than have the jury see the tape. The type of video camcorder to buy depends on how much money a department has to spend and what it intends to do with the camera. For general use, most agencies want a one-piece camcorder because they are easier to use and transport. These are available in two major formats that are not interchangeable, VHS and 8mm. Another debated issue is the amount of light needed to make a usable picture. Other important features include an external microphone jack, an earphone jack, manual focus, and a threaded tripod mounting screw hole. Several other features are also worth considering. One camera is the Panasonic AG-P, an SVHS-C camera with an impressive list of features. Other cameras will be reviewed in the future.