NCJ Number
178816
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 47 Issue: 8 Dated: August 1999 Pages: 78-82
Date Published
August 1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the technology and practical uses of the CopCam, a body-mounted camera for use by patrol officers.
Abstract
CopCam, manufactured by Semco Corporation, Vista, Calif., uses technology developed in military applications. The camera lens is attached to the lapel of the shirt, and a vest contains the transmitter and battery worn under the shirt. The camera records what the officer is seeing when he/she is out of the patrol vehicle. The unit is an integral part of an officer's body armor. Although the body camera is what makes CopCam unique, it is only part of a more comprehensive system. The latest unit provides three cameras: one mounted in the patrol car, one mounted on the officer, and one mounted in a concealed area of the patrol car, so as to record the actions of suspects in the back seat. The officer chooses which camera is active, and two audio tracks may be recorded simultaneously. Some legal issues related to the use of the CopCam are the potential for officers to use it to invade a person's or family's privacy and the use of appropriate criteria for the length of time tapes are maintained in the police inventory. Tapes should be kept sufficiently long so that there can be no issue of destruction of evidence, but given the volume of tapes that can accumulate rapidly, at some point in time agencies will need to destroy them.