Police body cameras are an essential tool for law enforcement and have become increasingly popular due to their undeniable benefits. They provide accountability, transparency, and improve trust between officers and the communities they serve. With so many options on the market, it's crucial to make an informed decision when selecting a police body camera. In this guide, we'll be comparing some of the top police body camera models to help you decide which one is right for your department.

Axon Body Cameras

Axon is a leading manufacturer of law enforcement technology, and their line of body cameras offers reliable, high-quality options. Some of the most popular Axon body cameras include the Axon Body 3 and Axon Flex 2.

Axon Body 3

The Axon Body 3 is designed for a full shift, featuring a 12-hour battery life and large storage capacity. With a 1080p HD wide-angle lens, this camera captures clear footage day and night. One of the standout features of the Axon Body 3 is the Axon Aware technology. This real-time situational awareness feature sends alerts and shares live video streams with command staff and other officers.

Axon Flex 2

For a more discreet option, the Axon Flex 2 can be mounted on an officer's sunglasses or uniform. This camera offers the same high-quality video resolution and long battery life as the Axon Body 3. However, due to its compact nature, a few of the more advanced features are not available in this model.

WatchGuard Body Cameras

Another reputable brand, WatchGuard, offers both the VISTA HD and the VISTA WiFi body cameras as options for law enforcement.

VISTA HD

The VISTA HD is a lightweight and sturdy camera that captures 720p or 1080p video at varying frames per second. This body camera features GPS tagging, automatic video buffering, and up to 32GB of internal storage. One of the unique aspects of this camera is the Record-After-the-Fact feature, which allows users to go back and record an incident even if the camera was not activated during the event.

VISTA WiFi

The VISTA WiFi takes the VISTA HD features and adds wireless capabilities. This camera allows for real-time video streaming, which can be beneficial in high-risk situations. Additionally, the automatic video offloading allows footage to be stored and processed quickly without the need for manual intervention.

Reveal Media Body Cameras

British company Reveal Media has been producing body cameras since 2007, and their most prominent models are the RS3-SX and RS2-X2.

RS3-SX

What sets the RS3-SX apart is its front-facing screen, which allows a subject to see themselves being recorded, potentially diffusing tense situations. The camera captures high-resolution video with a 150-degree field of view, complete with GPS tagging and digital watermarking for evidence management. The RS3-SX offers up to 10 hours of battery life, an essential feature for long shifts and remote operations.

RS2-X2

The RS2-X2 is an older model compared to the RS3-SX, but it still packs a punch with its robust features. This police body camera offers up to eight hours of continuous recording time and captures high-resolution video at a 130-degree field of view. One significant disadvantage of this model is the lack of a front-facing screen. However, users can still benefit from GPS tagging and digital watermarking.

In selecting the best police body camera for your department, it's vital to consider your budget, desired features, and any department-specific requirements. Remember that the quality of your chosen body camera will have a direct impact on the results, making it a worthwhile investment for your law enforcement team. Happy hunting!