NCJ Number
120700
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 16 Issue: 8 Dated: (September 1989) Pages: 26,28,32,37
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Several companies are designing vehicle surveillance units for police patrol cars which will be capable of videotaping all traffic stops and recording the probable cause for the stop, if any; the officer's behavior; and the motorist's behavior, including provocation and resisting arrest.
Abstract
In addition, in case of an attack upon the officer, the tape would identify the assailant and vehicle. Many police officers who initially felt intimidated by the camera and the added responsibility of operating it, were convinced that device activation was under their control and a means of protecting them. Videotapes of DWI suspects have been admitted as evidence in court, setting a precedence for the use of patrol car tapes as corroboration of an officer's testimony. The device could also save taxpayer money by simplifying some court cases. Most manufacturers, including PMMI, Inc., Visual Methods, and Vicon Industries, are producing systems comprised of a CCD video camera, wireless microphone, and videotape recorder. One system has incorporated an automatic mode which switches the system on when the squad car's overhead lights are in use.