NCJ Number
122560
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1990) Pages: 55-57
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
After a Cook County, Ill., sheriff's officer was killed in 1985 when he stopped a car with no license plate, high-resolution video cameras were mounted on squad cars.
Abstract
The camera is mounted near the rearview mirror inside the windshield to record whatever happens in front of the car, and a lightweight, wireless microphone worn by the officer records everything that is said by both suspect and officer. The officer switches the unit on and off from inside the squad car, but cannot erase what has been recorded. Usually, the unit is wired to operate automatically whenever the overhead flashing lights are in use. The camera can operate in very low light, as well as in extremely bright light conditions. The squad car's parking lights provide ample illumination for the camera to record accurately and to identify the suspect's license plate and suspect appearance if he or she gets out of the car. The camera has some high technology engineering designed to insure tape security. For example, a polarized lens improves the image during both day and night hours. A fireproof, bullet-resistant vault in the car's trunk holds the actual recording unit and tapes. Once locked, the vault protects tapes in environmentally controlled conditions until the vault is opened. Police departments using video cameras have discovered several advantages, in addition to suspect identification. Camera records can reduce the amount of time police officers have to spend in court, they facilitate driving under the influence law enforcement, and tapes have additional potential as training guides.