Police expand in-car digital video program

Smile, you’re on camera.

 

The Calgary Police Service is rolling out high-tech cameras to improve officer and public safety.

 

A three-year pilot project has led the CPS to install in-car digital video in a total of 350 police vehicles by the end of 2014.

 

Following a request for proposals, the Panasonic Arbitrator 360 was selected as the best model to suit the needs of the CPS. Two hundred cameras will be installed in 2012/2013 into police patrol vehicles and in the two HAWCS helicopters.  The remaining 150 cameras will be installed over the course of 2014.

 

Cameras will automatically record when lights are activated, or if a police vehicle is in a collision. The officers will wear wireless microphones that have the ability to capture audio up to 1,000 feet away.

 

The footage captured by these cameras will be held until required as evidence during investigations or for Criminal and Civil proceedings.

 

The cost of the program is approximately $2 million.