Law Enforcement
Forensic video analysis yields important evidence
I was working a homicide case where officers recovered surveillance video from a convenience store. Also, there were five mobile videotapes from responding squad cars and audio tapes of communications between officers, dispatchers, and 911 calls. Feb 3, 2006
Forensic video analysis yields important evidence
I was working a homicide case where officers recovered surveillance video from a convenience store. Also, there were five mobile videotapes from responding squad cars and audio tapes of communications between officers, dispatchers, and 911 calls. Feb 3, 2006
On-camera confessions
Chicago has a history of deploying leading-edge law enforcement technology. For example, when 9/11 made the lack of interconnection between police, fire, and other government radio users tragically clear, Chicago was one of the first U.S. cities to deploy the JPS ACU-1000 audio bridge, which interconnects incompatible radio systems and switches signals between them. Dec 21, 2005
Too much information
If the July 7 London bombings shook the world, the police's subsequent success in identifying the four suicide bombers astounded it. Small wonder: With its deft analysis of CCTV surveillance footage, London's Metropolitan Police not only put faces to the terrorists, but compiled a visual history of their actions prior to the attacks. Nov 1, 2005
The streets of San Diego
California’s highways are legendary for their traffic jams, which is why the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is always in expansion mode. To do this cost effectively in San Diego, Caltrans has partnered with privately-owned California Transportation Ventures to finance, oversee, develop, and implement the construction of a 9.3-mile, multi-lane toll road that will use video to help alleviate congestion. Jun 1, 2005
An eye inside for officers
When police responded to Columbine High School in Colorado on April 20, 1999, they knew shooting was taking place inside, but that was it. The absence of accessible video surveillance hampered their efforts to deal with the situation and to save lives. Apr 29, 2005
The dangers of digital
In-car video recording has become a vital tool for police departments, prosecutors, and reality TV shows. While the public and police are now accustomed to being on “Candid Camera,” serious questions are being raised about the admissibility of in-car digital video in court. Mar 4, 2005
Connecting the DOTs
Imagine your morning commute. You’re driving down the freeway, listening to music, and drinking what the gas station tries to pass off as coffee. In mid-sip, traffic slams to a halt, sloshing coffee onto your shirt. Up ahead, you see police lights flashing. A car accident has closed two lanes and the other two are jammed with rubberneckers. You’re going to be late for work. Sep 28, 2004
Traffic troubles in paradise
Ahh, Hawaii. Warm breezes, gentle ocean waves, and ... traffic jams?
Believe it or not, the island of Oahu isn’t always a tropical paradise, at least not to commuters. Oahu’s main city, Honolulu, is home to some significant traffic issues. Jul 26, 2004
How to shoot video depositions
At first glance, video depositions and similar video documentation seems simple enough. Get the witnesses on tape and then play their testimony in court to win your case — no problem. But, of course, it’s not that easy. Procedure is just as important as focus in the world of legal video. Jun 29, 2004
