Personal Video Comes to Law Enforcement

The strange new world of personal video is taking a very strange twist: New cameras let law enforcement officials record exactly what happens when deadly force must be used.

A company called Pacific Concepts makes what it calls an Advanced Tactical Camera. The 7.2-ounce unit is about the size of a roll of quarters and bolts onto the front of a firearm or helmet.

This unit films whatever it is pointing at and is rugged enough for use in harsh weather. It captures the action at a respectable 30 frames per second, so the footage can be admitted as evidence in court. The camera is battery-powered and runs off readily available SD cards like those found in any camera. Best of all, it costs just $189, so even notoriously underpaid local cops can afford one.

This camera is a big deal. And we expect much controversy from it. On the positive side, tactical cameras will create a crucial record of events when guns are drawn. And they will provide a valuable neutral document, just like in plane crashes, to serve all sides in the inevitable court battle over whether force was justified or excessive.

On the negative side, the images these tactical cameras capture will almost certainly end up on the Web. And the resulting, potentially gruesome videos will certainly test the limits of what we can — or should — watch. 

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Story?id=3512207&page=2