NCJ Number
122538
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 35-37
Editor(s)
B Cameron
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Georgia State highway police officers have an audio-video system that records whatever occurs while the trooper is outside the patrol car.
Abstract
The cars are equipped with the WV-3260/8AF 2/3" CCD (Charge Coupled Device) color video camera with a 10- to 88-millimeter lens and AG-2400 portable VHS VCRs. The videotapes provide automatic records for pre-trial sessions with judges, training courses for rookies, and accurate descriptions of cars and offenders. The system has already saved the State many thousands of dollars in court time. The installation of the Panasonic video equipment is part of a high-awareness program, part of whose aim is to slow the traffic of drugs on Georgia interstate highways. The system has helped Georgia lead the nation in the confiscation of illegal drugs on interstate highways in 1987. Money confiscated during drug arrests is being used to pay for the equipment. When the new video system was first installed, the troopers thought the tapes would be used to critique their performance and were not pleased. Now they have come to rely on their video back-up.