Patrol car video system provides evidence, security
Two Marion County Sheriff's patrol cars began operating Friday with in-car video systems.
"It will either vindicate you or convict you," Sheriff Lee Becker said. "They'll protect the officers, but they'll protect the public, too."
The I Track system, built and installed by McCoy's Law Line, Chanute, uses small video cameras mounted just below the rear view mirror. The video recording system extends above the mirror.
The system can be turned on at the push of a button, but goes on automatically whenever emergency lights are turned on. It runs continuously until the lights are shut off.
Becker said the most common use will be to document vehicle stops, car chases, and prisoner transport. The camera can be turned around to record the prisoner in the back seat, particularly if they are disruptive or dangerous.
The system also has microphones that can pick up sounds anywhere from 100 to 500 feet from the car.
The camera, which includes a small monitor, shows a clear and crisp image. It can zoom in or out as needed.
Plans are to save routine tapes for at least 30 days. Those containing evidence of a case will be kept longer. The tapes can be used numerous times.
The department plans to obtain a grant to pay for two more video cameras, and has budgeted for two more by 2004.
Cost is $3,875 installed, per camera, but if it helps with court cases — or reduces the chance a person will assault an officer — it is money well spent, Becker said.
"We delayed replacing a patrol car because we saw this as a priority item," he said. "Any department that has them will tell you it's money well spent."
