Police Car Video Camera's

[Gary]

Looking for information on police car video camera units that are being used. Interested in hearing from other officers about the type of camera they are using, whether they like it or not and any other details they would like to offer. We are about to purchase video camera's for our car and was looking for the different types of camera's and manufacturers that are already in use.

[Sotex]

In our area most everyone uses the Kustom Eyewitness system. I like it a lot, but have no experience with other systems.

[Vtfuzz]

We use the Kustom Eyewitness as well...seems to be a good system and has saved my butt numerous times!

[Evnings]

We use only Kustom Eyewitness now. Problems that we have had were quickly resolved by their techs. We used Dashboard Partner Systems ( also known as DPS ) for awhile. Their systems used off the shelf equipment. They were difficult to maintain and we had problems with their customer service.

[ 11-21-2001: Message edited by: Evnings ]

[Kaos]

I have had a Eyewitness Camera (http://www.kustomsignals.com/product_body2.asp?product_id=11&cat_id=9&strpagename=video) for the past eight years, three different generations. They keep getting better. They have had great support on the few times I needed them.

[Niteshift]

There are a lot of manufacturers. Most systems have a weak point in them. Some have a great camera and a cheapo wireless mic. Some have a great wireless mic but the skimp on the VCR.

I like the systems from International Police Technologies (http://www.policetechnologies.com/) and Decatur Electronics (http://www.decaturradar.com/).

Also, contact the Law Enforcement Mobile Video Institute (http://www.lemvi.com/). They do a lot of testing of various systems.

First thing to decide though is whether you want a fixed camera (one that mounts in the car and stays there) or a removable one (based on a camcorder). Both have advantages and disadvantages. If you plan to use it strictly for stuff like DUI's, you might want to go with the fixed. If you plan to use it to document crash scenes, crime scenes, interdiction stops etc., you might want to consider a removable system.

Also, if you are using a fixed system and plan to use it mainly at night (like DUI units), give very serious thought to getting the black and white instead of the color camera. The B&W tends to give sharper images and focus quicker in low light than the color ones do.

Once you get your cameras, email me and I'll give you some resources for writing a good policy for their use and sources for training.