The following is paid content sponsored by L-3 Mobile-Vision, Inc.
By Police1 Staff
Law-enforcement officials are continuing to realize the advantage of having video from the officer’s perspective in cases of false incident claims or contentious situations—as well as for evidentiary purposes.
As a result, the demand for body-worn cameras is increasing. To meet this demand, L-3 Mobile-Vision has developed an affordable, field-ready, rugged body-worn camera: the BodyVision.
Building on the success of the Flashback in-car video system, L-3 Mobile-Vision has developed, according to Senior Product Manager Peter Meroni, “the logical extension of the in-car camera,” a high-definition body-worn camera that captures high-pressure situations as officers see it first-hand. This lightweight body-worn camera can help protect officers with unbiased video evidence.
BodyVision’s Features
The 4-ounce, high-definition camera records in full 1280x720 resolution with accompanying audio. The camera records at 30 fps and has a 72˚ field of view.
With 16 GB of storage space, the camera can retain 4 hours of high-definition video. In addition, it also captures snapshots of marked events for quick and easy retrieval and review.
The camera comes equipped with a replaceable lithium-ion battery which lasts up to 48 hours in standby and can recharge from empty to full in around 2.5 hours. LED lights indicate the battery and storage levels at the push of a button.
“Ruggedness is a top concern for our customers,” Meroni said, “so our body-worn product meets the IP54 rating, which in translation means that it is tough enough to resist dust and water and conforms to Mil-Std-810F, 516.5 PIV so it can be dropped repeatedly and still remain functional.
BodyVision has an array of essential features for law enforcement officers, including a stealth mode that allows users to turn off visual and audible indicators that might give away their position. It also features a mute mode—which is beneficial when discussing sensitive information or speaking with confidential informants, as well as complying with individual state laws.
One of the most significant benefits of the BodyVision is its seamless integration into L-3’s Digital Evidence Management System (DES) which provides easy to use device and evidence management; from device tracking and reassignments, to video retrieval and chain of custody management.
Once uploaded, video can be tagged with the date and time of the event, as well as the officer’s ID. L-3 Mobile-Vision evidence management software options, offers the capability to associate video evidence with a particular case that can be easily referenced or located when necessary.
Connecting the BodyVision docking station to the DES and an AC power source automatically charges the camera and allows for upload of data from multiple devices to the DES simultaneously. In fact, the connection is so fast that it can upload 4 hours of video in as little as ten minutes.
BodyVision in the Field
The BodyVision was designed to be used as a standalone product, but also can complement the FlashbackHD in-car video camera for comprehensive officer video coverage in and around the officer’s vehicle.
“We designed the BodyVision to be as easy to use as possible,” Meroni said. “With its simple push-to-record, push-to-stop design and rugged architecture, this camera was made to work even in the most difficult situations.” Built to represent the event from the officer’s perspective, the BodyVision offers a recording that represent the officer’s line of sight without unrealistic visual enhancements.
The camera is also ideal for officers who don’t have access to in-car video, such as foot and bike patrols, SWAT teams and other specialized units. The small camera can clip onto a belt or lapel and stay in place for hours.
Indeed, it has all of the features necessary in a small, light package that can easily be attached to an officer’s uniform and help capture the truth from the officer perspective in the field and in the court room.