Cops with Camcorders
Red lights in the rearview mirror, a momentary burp of a siren and then the long wait as an officer walks from his cruiser to your car--these are the sights and sounds of a traffic stop. Sights and sounds that are being captured more frequently on videotape.
Local police departments are just beginning to explore the possibilities of video as a tool for increased safety and training.
Eye on Traffic
In Northern California, the Petaluma Police Department is just starting to use video as part of its traffic enforcement effort. Using equipment Pacific Bell Telephone Company donated, Petaluma P.D. has one car outfitted with a VHS camera and recorder designed specifically for the job. A mini-cam and monitor are mounted on the dashboard and connected to a standard VCR, which is secured in the trunk. The system activates automatically when the officer engages lights and sirens or he can switch it on manually. The officer wears a wireless lavalier mi…
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