|
Car Video Cameras To Be Installed |
|
|
Written by Tim Gobble, Sheriff
|
|
Friday, 09 March 2007 |
|
In the high-tech world we live in you never know when you are being watched.
Video surveillance devices are widely used for security and safety for such things as deterring theft in retail businesses to monitoring traffic flows so we aren’t stuck in congestion on our daily trips to an from work.
Video also has an important role in law enforcement.
At the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office we have just completed installing dashboard-mounted cameras and video recording equipment in 15 of our patrol cars. It is my desire to complete the installation in all of our patrol vehicles in the near future, as we are able to identify funding sources for this equipment.
Dashboard police video has been shown on a number of the reality programs that are now featured by network and cable television. These shows generally use footage from of the most exciting arrests and chases to attract audiences. But video recordings of arrests have a much higher value in law enforcement.
A video recording of an arrest, admitted as evidence in court, is indisputable testimony for a judge or jury. Recordings have been used in many court presentations where the video meant the difference between a conviction and the defendant going free.
Video is also helping to reduce allegations of improper behavior against law enforcement officers. One department was able to significantly reduce complaints after they started reviewing video recordings of arrests.
It is estimated that about half of all of the law enforcement agencies in this country are now using video in their patrol cars.
In addition to dashboard cameras video surveillance is being used another way.
With widespread acceptance of video security systems recordings are being used to identify suspects in crimes that are “ caught on tape.”
Recently our detectives were able to solve a case using video from a Chattanooga Wal Mart store. Their security cameras caught the female suspect heading for an exit with her purchases in a shopping cart. The video was broadcast on TV and the suspect was identified. Had it not been for the surveillance video the woman’s identity might never have been known.
Just this week there was another example of how video can be used by detectives to track someone down. A video recording of a woman cashing a stolen check was provided by a Mississippi casino was distributed to the media in hopes someone viewing the tape can made an identification. That same day Meigs County deputies obtained a videotape of two convenience store burglars inside a business helping themselves to cigarettes.
Video is going to play an important role in the future to solve crimes. I am glad we are poised to take advantage of this technology. |
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 09 March 2007 )
|
