Posted on 12/29/2009 12:40:47 PM PST by SmithL
San Jose, Calif. (AP) -- Grainy cell phone images are often used against cops accused of using excessive violence. Now, officers are being armed with their own cameras.
The so-called head cameras are the latest technology to come from Taser International Inc., makers of the stun guns popular with law enforcement.
"It's like the helmet cam you've seen on X Games," said San Jose police officer William Pender, who demonstrated the camera on a recent afternoon.
Eighteen of San Jose's more than 1,300 sworn officers have been trained to use the AXON head cameras as part of a free trial. Other departments are expected to be added to the program.
Experts say the head cameras could help catch officers behaving badly and clear those who are falsely accused so long as they are accompanied by police department policies requiring they be switched on during each encounter and not as an officer chooses.
"I think it will also make the officers very aware that their behavior is being documented, which could cut down on possible police excesses," said Sam Walker, professor emeritus of criminal justice at the University of Nebraska, Omaha.
The device resembles a Bluetooth earpiece and is attached by a band that runs around the back of the officer's head.
It can be connected to an on-and-off button on the officer's chest, and from there to a video screen on a holster. In San Jose, officers are required to switch on the cameras for even routine investigations, such as vehicle stops.
At the end of an officer's shift, the device is placed in a docking station, where it recharges and its content is downloaded and stored on a secure server offsite
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Owww! that sounds like it hurts.
I hear they’re getting USB ports installed in their buttocks, too.
Rivets, screws, or bolts?
“Stored in a secure server offsite.”Wonder who has excess to it. They have to remember to turn them on and off, when do they have time to be safe, with all that is required of them in this High tech World. I am sure they will help in some matters. Oh well just a ole fart saying what comes to mind.
“just look the other way” has acquired an entirely new connotation!
Don’t even ask where they’re mounting the cup holder.
I just hope they remove them when the yearly budget gets reviewed and the top brass all go over and start kissing the city councilman’s behind.
And here I always thought a head bolt was part of a car engine.
Does this mean there’ll be a bunch of new and exciting footage to air on “The Donut Channel”?
I’m getting tired of watching Krispy-Kreme training film re-runs.
Especially the newlywed cops.
Sad but very true, We live in a very ugly time.
Put the Vice Cops’ feed on Pay-per-view
Or the police Avatars. ;)
Well they are blue. ;)
Hey! What channel is the Donut Channel? What system do you have? Is it a sister channel of the HGTV/Food Network empire?
So may questions! And inquiring minds want to know!!!!
CA....
As Mr. Miyagi might say, “AXON, AXOFF”.
Why 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, IF you’re luvky enough to get “The Donut Channel”.
I hope they got these really nice ones!
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