In 2018, police departments across the country saw a significant shift towards increased transparency with the adoption and widespread use of body cameras. But not all body cameras are created equal. In this blog post, we will delve into the best police body cameras that made a difference in 2018, discussing their unique features, benefits, and how they have redefined policing.

The Rise of Body Cameras in Policing

Body-worn cameras for law enforcement agencies gained significant attention in 2018. As an essential tool for documentation purposes, these devices have proven beneficial in providing accurate accounts of events from the officer's perspective, increasing the transparency and accountability in law enforcement performance.

Axon Body 2

The year 2018 saw a notable entrant in the police body camera market ? the Axon Body 2. Designed with a wide 120-degree field view, it featured an excellent video quality allowing every detail to be discernable during playback. Its unlimited HD video storage, robust battery life, and user-friendly design made it an ideal choice for law enforcement agencies.

Visual Labs Smartphone Body Camera

Then, there's the Visual Labs Smartphone Body Camera offering. In contrast to traditional body cameras, this solution turned an Android-based smartphone into a versatile device capable of performing multiple functions: body camera, digital camera, audio recorder, and personnel locator, all in one. The advantage of this multi-functionality was unprecedented and unrivalled.

GoPro HERO5 Session

GoPro might be known for its adventure and sports cameras, but in 2018, it made its mark in the law enforcement domain. The GoPro HERO5 Session, while not designed specifically for police work, proved to be an excellent tool for the job. Its rugged build, compact size, stunning 4K video output, and voice control capabilities were a defining feature in this adaptation.

Reveal Media RS2-X2

Last among the noteworthy mentions is the Reveal Media RS2-X2. Its unique front-facing screen stood out in the crowd, allowing the subjects to see their actions being recorded which often calmed potentially volatile situations. Its simplicity of operation was designed with the officer in mind, reducing distraction while keeping them aware of the scenario.

Choosing the Right Police Body Cameras

When it comes to choosing the right police body camera, it depends greatly on the specific needs and requirements of a law enforcement agency. Still, across the board, crucial factors remain constant: functionality, battery life, video quality, durability, and, most importantly, ease of use. The camera devices should be tried and examined to meet these parameters before adoption for duty.

Over the period, we've seen various models across these selections be it Axon Body 2's massive HD storage, Visual Labs' multi-functionality, GoPro's stunning 4K output or RS2-X2's front-facing screen. Each offers unique advantages to officers and serve as indispensable tools in promoting transparency, creating confidence, and forging stronger community relationships in policing.

Police body cameras have charted a transformative course in recent years; leading us to believe that the future of law enforcement will undoubtedly incorporate, if not mandate, the use of these devices. While the technology will continue to evolve, the impact that these police body cameras from 2018 made, have established the blueprint for the future of policing technology.