As police departments continue to prioritize transparency and accountability in their interactions with the public, body cameras have become essential tools to ensure officers act in the best interest of the communities they serve. With several vendors offering police body camera products, it can be challenging to find the best fit for your department. To assist in your decision, we have compiled a list of the top police body camera vendors in 2022, highlighting their standout features and offerings.

Axon (formerly Taser)

Axon is a leading vendor in the police body camera market and has been continually improving its products to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies. With their Axon Body 3, they have delivered several enhancements that set it apart from other options. With features like real-time video livestreaming, GPS location tracking, and wireless evidence offloading, the Axon Body 3 ensures that valuable data is captured and accessible when needed. Additionally, Axon offers an integrated evidence management system called Evidence.com, which securely stores and manages footage for easy access and review by authorized personnel.

Panasonic

A multinational electronics company with a reputation for manufacturing reliable and durable products, Panasonic offers its Arbitrator Body Worn Camera (BWC) as a solution for law enforcement agencies. With a robust design that can withstand harsh weather conditions and high-quality video and audio capabilities, Panasonic's BWC is an excellent choice for departments seeking to prioritize durability and performance. Their Unified Evidence Management System (UEMS) manages body camera footage alongside in-car video, enhancing the efficiency of evidence management.

WatchGuard

WatchGuard Video is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced video surveillance systems for law enforcement. They offer the V300 body camera, equipped with an ultra-wide-angle lens, high-definition video recording, and automatic activation in various situations. It also features a removable battery pack, allowing officers to easily swap batteries and keep the camera running during long shifts. To complement their body cameras, WatchGuard also offers an evidence management system called Evidence Library, which provides secure storage and organization of digital evidence.

Reveal Media

With a focus on user-friendliness and high-quality video, Reveal Media's body cameras are excellent choices for departments prioritizing ease of use and clarity. The RS2-X2 body camera is lightweight and has a forward-facing screen that displays the video being recorded, ensuring all parties are aware that they're being filmed. With configurable pre-recording options and a simple one-button activation system, Reveal Media's products ensure that crucial moments in interactions are captured without complication.

Digital Ally

Digital Ally offers a range of body cameras for different requirements, including their flagship FirstVu HD Body Camera. With one-button activation, GPS tracking, and HD video quality, the FirstVu HD aims to provide accurate and clear footage in various environments and situations. Digital Ally's VuVault evidence management software provides a secure platform for storing, managing, and sharing body camera footage while maintaining its integrity.

BodyWorn by Utility

BodyWorn by Utility provides the BodyWorn camera, which offers automatic recording triggered by actions such as drawing a weapon, getting in or out of a vehicle, or even an officer's speed. The camera is securely mounted within the officer's uniform, resulting in a more discreet and stable means of capturing interactions. Through their AVaiLWeb platform, BodyWorn by Utility provides secure cloud-based storage of video and audio data, ensuring efficient evidence management for departments.

Considerations When Choosing a Body Camera Vendor

While the above-listed vendors offer various features, law enforcement departments should consider several factors before settling on a body camera vendor. Each department's needs will vary based on factors such as budget, ethics and transparency goals, and integration with existing systems.

Budget

Cost is a critical factor when choosing a body camera vendor for most departments. While some options may have more advanced features, a department must ensure they are selecting a vendor within their budgetary constraints. Always consider the ongoing costs of storage, licensing, and maintenance to ensure your investment is a sustainable one.

Ease of Use

Whether a department is introducing body cameras for the first time or transitioning from one system to another, ease of use is critical. The ideal vendor offers products that require minimal training and can be seamlessly integrated into officers' daily routines.

Interoperability

Choosing a body camera vendor that offers interoperability with in-car camera systems and the department's existing evidence management software is crucial. Ensuring seamless integration between all technology components will save valuable time and resources.

Security and Compliance

All vendors should prioritize the secure management of digital evidence. This may include offering encrypted data storage, user authentication protocols, and compliance with relevant privacy laws and regulations. Preferably, seek a vendor that utilizes a cloud-based evidence management system for enhanced security features.

As departments invest in body camera technology, researching and selecting the most suitable vendor is essential. While each department's needs will differ, prioritizing budget considerations, ease of use, interoperability, and security are beneficial for all law enforcement agencies. By adopting the appropriate body camera solution, departments can build trust, increase transparency, and promote accountability within their communities.