New dimension to BWV

New technology unveiled at the recent Critical Communications World in Amsterdam could transform body-worn video (BWV) cameras by combining them with a microphone and cloud-based, digital evidence management software.

Unlike typical BWV cameras, it combines voice communications, real-time video, still images, voice recording and emergency alerting in one device.

Designed to be used with Tetra (terrestrial trunked radio) equipment, Motorola Solutions says its ‘smart interface’ video speaker microphone (VSM) body camera will reduce the number of devices that “weigh down public safety officers in the field”.

It says public safety agencies face an increasing demand to capture, store, properly manage and share video evidence, adding: “While use of body-worn cameras has widespread and growing acceptance with public safety agencies and the citizens they protect, the massive amounts of data cameras create needs to be managed and stored, often incurring significant costs.”

Motorola believes its new end-to-end solution – that can be used with existing Tetra radio equipment – tackles these challenges, from video capture in the field to back office storage and content management that simplifies workflows and reduces administrative overheads.

Steven Young, vice-president, Tetra devices at Motorola Solutions, said its Si500 VSM camera will “transform digital evidence management” by combining it with a content management system that integrates with computer aided dispatch and records management systems.