Police get new camera system

“It’s all about accountability and transparency,” said Booneville Police Department Detective Captain Corie Robbins.

She said the department’s previous system was difficult to use and had become extremely dated. The new state-of-the-art system integrates all of the data seamlessly and is easy for officers and investigators to use.

All the video and audio syncs to a secure system that allows investigators to easily put together evidence from body cameras and from outside sources such as business surveillance cameras or even video evidence submitted to the department by citizens from home security systems.

Detective Karl Courtney said one of the biggest advantages of the new system is the simplicity and reliability for officers. An officer only has to press a single large button to activate their body camera. The new cameras are also designed for heavy, daily use and are built to last.

If an officer forgets to turn the camera on or doesn’t press the button correctly, the cameras are actually continuously recording at all times and footage can be retrieved from a specific time period within a specified window of time if needed.

Courtney said the new system also gives investigators the ability to send a link to citizens who may have video from their own home or phone cameras that allow them to easily and quickly upload that footage for investigators to access and the system allows the investigator to more easily organize that material within each case file making it easier to manage evidence.

City of Booneville IT Director James McChristian said the system is also highly secure, meeting all federal guidelines for the retention and protection of digital evidence. He said the technical back end of the system is also easier to manage, making it more useful and simpler to ensure the police have ready access to the information they need.

Robbins said the video and audio quality of the new system is far better than previous systems used by the department making it easier to see and hear exactly what is happening in any situation.

A mobile app integrated with the system allows an officer to immediately review footage taken from their cameras if needed, and also to upload still images or video taken with their cell phone to add to the record in a case.

Courtney said the system also adds some very important safety features for officers. If an officer hasn’t been checked in and can’t be contacted, they can track the GPS data of their camera to determine their location and quickly respond to ensure they’re safe. Sensors that recognize when a Taser or firearm has been pulled from its holster automatically turn on the cameras and inform supervisors of the potentially high-risk situation so help can be dispatched quickly.

Mayor Chris Lindley said he believes the new system will greatly benefit both the police and the community.

“This is something that benefits the department and benefits the community on both sides,” he said.