In 2019, there was a significant surge in the adoption of police body cameras worldwide. These devices have provided a new perspective on incidents potentially affecting civil liberties, offering impartial visual and audio evidence. This gear can cover the grayscale areas in law enforcement, provide accountability and transparency, and enhance community trust. Today, allow us to take you back to 2019 and discover the robust body cameras that were the game changers in the realm of law enforcement.

The Evolution of Accountability: Understanding Body Cameras

Police body cameras, or body worn videos (BWVs), are recording systems used by law enforcement to document their interactions with the public or gather video evidence at crime scenes. The technology behind these devices have seen advancement since their inception. Some now even offer real-time streaming, allowing immediate situational awareness at command centers. The cameras used in 2019 had a profound impact in vital areas of policing by changing the landscape in terms of accountability, transparency, and trust.

The Best of the Best in 2019

Before we delve into details, let us shed light on the top names that outshone others in 2019 in the body camera sector:

1. Axon Body 2

2. WatchGuard Vista

3. Wolfcom Vision

4. Transcend DrivePro Body 20

5. GoPro Hero5 Session

Axon Body 2

Axon, a leading provider of law enforcement technology, gained global attention in 2019 for its dynamic products, particularly the Axon Body 2. Integrated with an unlimited HD camera, this small-sized camera featured an extensive 12-hour battery life that delivered high-quality video documentation. With its swift response playback, this device was a favorite amongst many police departments, due to its ability to highlight subtle details even in low light. The Axon body 2 made secure evidence handling possible with AES256 encryption. Its seamless, wireless activation was impressive, triggering on various actions like vehicle light bar activation, or when the car door opens.

WatchGuard Vista

From the secure vault of WatchGuard, Vista is a first-rate body camera known for its excellent video quality and robust construction. Unlike some of its counterparts, the WatchGuard Vista provided an extended 72-hour recording and a high-capacity storage feature permitting extensive use each cycle. This body camera topped 2019 popular picks with its distinctive Record-After-the-Fact technology that could retrieve and record video events, long after they occurred, offering a safety net for officers.

Wolfcom Vision

The WOLFCOM Vision was a light-weight compact body camera that rose in prominence in 2019. Known as 'the Swiss army knife of body cameras,' it was lauded for its all-in-one multifunctional design. One charm of this camera was its integrated GPS, 32 GB storage, and flexibility to function as a standalone unit or with an in-car camera system. Its impressive pre-recording ability enabling officers to record events that took place up to 60 seconds before camera activation was quite the sensation amongst officers.

Transcend DrivePro Body 20

The Transcend DrivePro Body 20 made a mark in 2019 with its advanced features. This device boasted of its built-in Wi-Fi, allowing real-time streaming and quick file downloading. Coupled with a 160-degree wide viewing angle, it captured sharp evidence during use. This camera's IPX4 rating for weatherproofing, infrared LEDs, making it ideal for low-light conditions, and quick snapshot feature boosted its popularity.

GoPro Hero5 Session

Typically not categorized as a standalone law enforcement tool, the GoPro Hero5 Session was creatively adapted by many police departments due to its superior quality and durability. Known for its 4K video and one-button recording feature, this camera offered simplicity in a complex work environment. Its waterproof construction resisted dust and was well-suited to challenging weather conditions, making it a favorite amongst patrol officers.

Reflecting on 2019: A Year of Technological Triumph

There's no denying that 2019 was a pivotal year in the progression of body camera technology. The devices mentioned above set a significant benchmark for their successors to aspire towards. They each played their part in reshaping practices to improve law enforcement and community relationships globally.

Police body cameras are an invaluable technological tool and an integral part of modern law enforcement. They deliver an objective narrative of events and encounters, providing invaluable visual and audio evidence that can solidify public trust, increase accountability, and even protect police officers.

Looking back at 2019, we can see how much these cameras contributed to the radiography of law enforcement. The incremental advancements and refinements in these devices stand testimony to the evolving technological trends advancing public safety, and the way digitization began to underpin accountability and transparency in more substantial ways than ever before. This was truly a remarkable year!