Marion police want to replace car cameras and need community’s help
Staff writer
It’s a recording of what an officer says and does.
It’s a recording of what an offender says and does.
It’s an extra pair of eyes — watching the performances of officers and as incidents unfold.
In-car cameras in police vehicles keep a running record of events.
Unfortunately, the three cameras purchased nearly 10 years ago by Marion Police Department are due to be replaced because they no longer can be repaired.
Parts from two cameras were salvaged to make one camera operable, said officer Mike Ottensmeier. And if the cameras could be repaired, it wouldn’t be feasible because the cost to repair them would be more than the cameras are worth.
The 10-year-old camera holds four hours of 8mm film.
Just like other types of technology, police cameras also have evolved from 8mm to VHS in the late 1990s. Now they are high definition digital.
The new, one-piece units have a four megabyte memory stick, capable of holding 80 hours worth of information.
Like most governmental entities, budget belts are tightening. Taking care of the necessary expenses (salaries, fuel, etc.) have eaten away any leftover money.
That’s why Marion Police Department, spearheaded by Ottensmeier, has decided to ask for community support.
The camera, a Martel Digital Enterceptor-2, costs about $3,000 each. The goal is to purchase two cameras this year specifically for the department’s two Chevrolet Impalas. In the next year or two, two more cameras may be purchased, if funds are available, for the other two vehicles.
As a comparison, the older camera had to be turned on and off.
This new digital camera can record constantly or can be programmed to record when sirens or overhead lights are activated.
A wireless microphone also is part of the equipment to record outside of the car.
“Another desirable feature is being able to back up three minutes (pre-event recording) before the camera is actually turned on,” Ottensmeier said.
If the police vehicle should be involved in a crash, the camera will shut down and protect the information. The software can be removed from the camera and downloaded for review.
Both sides of the law
The interior camera records the activities of police officers in day-to-day situations.
“If there is a complaint, we have it on video,” Ottensmeier said, but it also tapes activities during incidents when people may forget or deny making statements.
With the advent of video cameras, the general public has become accustomed or almost oblivious to “big brother” watching. Most retail stores, banks, convenience stores, and other businesses videotape nearly every inch of the store, indoors and out, without customers giving it a second thought.
“The supreme court has determined that police officers don’t have to inform the public that they’re being videotaped. The public should just assume that they are because many times they are,” Ottensmeier said.
And how does this type of evidence hold up in court? Extremely well.
“The county attorney and district court judge prefer this type of testimony,” Ottensmeier said.
It’s right there. In black and white.
Probably the most important aspect is protection for our local officers. With in-car cameras, the extra pair of eyes could serve as a witness to those who wish to cause harm to officers. Many times, perpetrators wanting to hurt or harass police officers are apprehended because they are caught on tape.
About the camera
The kind of camera currently being used by the Marion Police Department has two components with one part that fits in the trunk of the car. A small camera is mounted on the inside front glass, just below the visors.
The new camera would have the entire component inside the police car with a real-time monitor while recording.
Here’s how it works. The camera records an incident. The recorded information is transferred to a police department computer. From there, the information is made available to the county attorney which can be used in court.
“These cameras are worth their weight in gold for the money,” Ottensmeier said.
Donations
Anyone individual or organization who wants to make a donation is encouraged to contact Marion City Clerk’s office at (620) 382-3703 or 208 E. Santa Fe Street, Marion.
So far, $2,475 has been donated.
“Every donation helps, even if it’s only a few dollars,” Ottensmeier said.