NCJ Number
211953
Date Published
2005
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features and the marketing of the in-car digital video recorder developed by Coban Research and Technologies, Inc.
Abstract
Coban's in-car digital video recorder is small enough to fit between a patrol car's visors. When the car's overhead pursuit lights are activated, the recorder automatically saves the previous loop of images and sounds to a hard drive and continues recording until pursuit lights are turned off. Images include a date/time stamp and can be synchronized with radar readings and global positioning system data. At shift's end, the hard drive can be removed for downloading into a database for search and retrieval. Other features are automatic focus, automatic zoom, and simultaneous audio recording. The quality of the images is better than videotape. The operational range is more than 1,000 feet, and it can be activated remotely to transmit images to headquarters through a panic button. Evidence integrity is ensured through an electronic chain of custody and an encrypted algorithm that reflects any change to the file. Coban developed the recorder with a focus on law enforcement needs as determined through designers' "ride alongs" with officers in Humble, TX. The marketing of the recorder has been aided by the Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization (OLETC), which is the commercialization arm of the National Institute of Justice's National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center system. OLETC places innovative technology in the field. OLETC's technical assistance helped Coban to partner with IBM in establishing pilot projects for the recorder at three sites with different procedures and requirements. These projects led to contracts for recorders with the three departments.