Police Department Debuts Body Cameras on Officers

Police Department Debuts Body Cameras on Officers

The largest police force in the United States has decided to outfit their officers with two types of body cameras. Debuting on 60 New York City Police Department officers, working in six of NY’s most violent neighborhoods, are the Vievu and the Taser.

The Vievu is a clip-on camera that is shaped similar to a pager and is worn on the front of an officer’s shirt. It is designed to begin recording when the officer slides the shutter on the camera lens. The Taser is worn on the ear, glasses, collar or shoulder and continuously records video in 30-second segments, but without audio.

There has been controversy over NY’s “Stop and Frisk” policies that allow officers to routinely stop, question and pat down civilians who are acting suspicious. However, civil rights groups are challenging this policy in court, claiming that not all the civilians subjected to the “Stop and Frisk” procedures are committing or have committed any crime(s).

New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton approved the use of these cameras, hoping to de-escalate confrontations between citizens and police. I can also see how these body cameras can help officers to document unsafe situations to be used in a court of law as evidence.

(Image Credit on Homepage Slide Show: a katz / Shutterstock.com)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    7 Ways You Can Secure a High-Traffic Commercial Security Gate  

    Your commercial security gate is one of your most powerful tools to keep thieves off your property. Without a security gate, your commercial perimeter security plan is all for nothing. Read Now

  • Protecting Data is Critical

    To say that the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a part of everyday life would be a dramatic understatement. At this point, you would be hard-pressed to find an electronic device that is not connected to the internet. Read Now

  • Mobile Access Adoption

    Smartphones and other mobile devices have had a profound impact on how the world securely accesses the workplace and its services. The growing adoption of mobile wallets and the new generation of users is compounding this effect. Read Now

  • Changing Mindsets

    We have come a long way from the early days of fuzzy analog CCTV systems. During that time, we have had to migrate from analog to digital signals. When IP-based network cameras arrived, they opened a new world of quality and connectivity but also introduced plenty of challenges. Thankfully, network devices today have become smart enough to discover themselves and even self-configure to some degree. While some IT expertise is certainly required, things are much smoother these days. The biggest change is in how fast security cameras and supporting infrastructure are evolving. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3