As the use of body cameras by law enforcement agencies becomes increasingly prevalent, the industry has witnessed a surge in the number of manufacturers offering these essential devices. With a myriad of options, selecting the right body camera for your department can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will delve into the top body camera manufacturers and evaluate their offerings to help law enforcement leaders make informed, confident decisions when purchasing new equipment.

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

A well-known name in the law enforcement technology space, Axon Enterprise, Inc. (formerly TASER International) offers a comprehensive suite of body-worn cameras. Among their most popular models is the Axon Body 3, which boasts a myriad of advanced features, including real-time situational awareness, Wi-Fi capabilities, and a 12-hour battery life. Furthermore, Axon offers the cloud-based Evidence.com platform, which simplifies data management and addresses concerns about storage and security.

WatchGuard Video, Inc.

Owned by Motorola Solutions, WatchGuard Video is a trusted name in police body camera manufacturing. Known initially for their in-car police video systems, WatchGuard recently ventured into body-worn cameras under the Motorola Solutions umbrella. Their flagship body camera, the Vista Wi-Fi, offers advanced capabilities such as live streaming and automated evidence offload. In addition, the device comes with a Record-After-The-Fact feature, enabling officers to retrieve video footage even when the camera was not actively recording.

Digital Ally, Inc.

Digital Ally aims to equip law enforcement professionals with reliable, user-friendly equipment designed to enhance accountability. The company offers several body camera models tailored to various officer preferences, including the tiny yet robust Nano HD and the FirstVu HD, which can be mounted to an officer's uniform or belt. To ensure a seamless integration with their patrol vehicles and systems, Digital Ally offers comprehensive in-car video solutions and evidence management software as well.

Panasonic Corporation

A familiar name in the electronics industry, Panasonic offers the Arbitrator BWC (Body Worn Camera) as part of its comprehensive public safety solutions. The Arbitrator is designed with officer safety and efficiency in mind, with a durable construction that is both water and impact-resistant. Additionally, its integration with PoliceWatch, Panasonic's secure digital evidence management platform, ensures data security and streamlined evidence processing.

Reveal Media

Reveal Media is a company with a singular focus on developing and manufacturing body-worn cameras for law enforcement professionals. With devices like the D-Series and RS3-SX, Reveal has earned a reputation as a company that values user input in product design. Reveal body cameras excel in areas such as ease of use, video quality, and security. The D-Series body cameras, for example, feature a distinctive front-facing screen that helps de-escalate situations by displaying the camera's live view.

VIEVU, LLC

Once an independent company, VIEVU, LLC is now part of the Axon Enterprise family, bolstering its body camera options by offering the LE5 and LE5 Lite cameras. With a focus on capturing high-quality video and a 14-hour battery life, the LE5 and LE5 Lite are designed to withstand the rigors of law enforcement duties. Additionally, these cameras interface with Axon's user-friendly digital evidence management system, ensuring easy access and retrieval of secured data.

The rise in body camera use has transformed the landscape of law enforcement accountability, and the growing number of manufacturers contributes to the industry's constant innovation. As you deliberate on the proper body cameras for your department, it is essential to assess and prioritize features such as durability, battery life, video resolution, security, connectivity, and data management capabilities.

When weighing your options, consider soliciting feedback from officers since they are the ones who will rely on these devices daily. By involving the end-users in the decision-making process and researching manufacturers such as Axon, WatchGuard, Digital Ally, Panasonic, Reveal Media, and VIEVU, you can ensure that your department makes a well-informed choice that benefits both your officers and the communities they serve.