Agencies know that their team’s interview evidence process can make or break a case. That’s why they have to think carefully about their new recording equipment investment. Deciding to upgrade your system can have a tremendous impact on your entire community’s mission to uphold public safety.
What’s Required for Interview Recording Systems?
Paying attention to the major and minor differences between interview evidence recording equipment can help everyone in your agency know that you’ve made the best choice. Often, this comes down to a lot more than just a price tag. Everyone involved with the chain of evidence should be able to benefit from a more streamlined system. Quality is key, so you’ll want to be sure the solutions you’re considering include all of the following three features.
1. IP Cameras for Audio Video Recording Equipment
In some ways, it goes without saying that your camera equipment will be important for your video evidence. But the details aren’t always clear on what makes one camera better than another. If nothing else, just be sure you go with a solution that utilizes IP cameras, otherwise known as internet protocol cameras. These types of cameras work better with computer networks, so they are the top choice over an analog closed-circuit system.
Another way to improve your video quality is to go with high resolution. Your interview evidence should be recorded in HD to make sure the court is able to consider body language. Moreover, HD video helps protect agencies and individuals from any questions about their process or concerns relating to coercion.
2. User-Friendly Software and System Functions
After you review your solution’s hardware options, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of a system’s software. Will it be easy for your team to make redactions? Is there going to be a steep learning curve for adopting the new system? Or is the solution very user-friendly? It’s important to consider every angle.
For example, your team’s definition for ease-of-use might include a simple process for starting and stopping an interview recording. Flipping a basic wall switch to start and stop the recording makes it easy for professionals to focus on the job at hand. There’s really no reason why your team should mess with a complicated system. If all they have to do is turn on a light switch when they walk into the room, that can help keep things relaxed for the interview subject right from the beginning and keep the process moving smoothly.
3. Security Measures for Interview Evidence
The last item to watch for on your list are the details about your recording solution’s interdepartmental security protocols. From how your system stores and shares complete, unedited interview recordings, to how it labels and protects your redactions, the right audio video recording solution must have strict security measures in place.
Decision makers will need all of their questions answered upfront, and following the appropriate recording equipment checklist items can help narrow down the search. If you have any questions about our own solutions here at iRecord, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to tell you more about how we help agencies record and protect their priceless interview evidence. Send us a message so we can start the conversation!