Mobile digital video system for law enforcement

The next generation of in-vehicle police video systems will be hybrid, consisting of a "front-end" analog video-sensing camera with a fully digital "back-end" recording and access system. Such a system allows random access to recorded events, which is faster and more efficient than VHS or Hi-8 linear tape systems currently in use. Since the recorded data is digital, it can be stored, sorted, and tagged with important information. Once stored it can be easily disseminated under direct computer control. This paper outlines an ongoing investigation into the use of current and future digital video and embedded computer technologies for law enforcement agencies. This investigation will help in understanding the tradeoff involved with these technologies as they apply to law enforcement. In addition, a prototype system is described that allows direct investigation of methodologies for digital video acquisition, storage, and dissemination.