Presenting accurate and complete evidence to the court helps ensure that the innocent are protected. This is true for both physical and interview evidence. Every detail for a case needs to be properly evaluated to make a correct ruling. That’s why so many agencies are motivated to examine their current practices for recording and securely storing their evidence. Part of this process means taking a closer look at the differences between body camera footage and modern interview recording systems.
How Do Body Cameras Work?
Although more and more agencies have taken steps to require body cameras for their public safety professionals, there are key differences between how body camera footage works and how proper interview evidence is managed. Put simply, body cameras are not appropriate for interview recordings. They can certainly provide useful evidence to a court, but these cameras lack many of the features that preserve the integrity of actual, court-admissible interview evidence. Body camera footage is no substitute for true audio video interview recording.
For one, body cameras do not offer high quality audio. Being able to clearly understand every word and utterance from each party is crucial for reliable evidence. Additionally, the typical body camera setup and software doesn’t provide agencies with the options to add notes to their evidence. It can be difficult to make a copy of the recordings as well, not to mention the challenges of recording the interactions or conversations from the correct angles to document facial expressions. Collecting interview evidence demands the right equipment.
Requirements for Proper Interview Evidence
The best interview evidence will have clear, consistent audio and high-definition video. Of course, it also needs to be conducted by the right trained professional in the right setting. For this, onsite interview recording rooms help keep the process streamlined. It’s easy to start a recording when the proper microphones and camera equipment are already installed in a designated space.
It is also important for agencies to have the option to record interview evidence on location. But relying on body camera footage is not the answer. Instead, agencies will need to invest in a mobile interview recording solution. Working with a tablet computer and having a user-friendly software system for note-taking and sharing the audio video files helps keep the interview evidence process simple and professional.
Interview Recording Equipment and Security
Whether your agency is ready to upgrade an onsite interview room or needs to expand to a mobile recording option, being able to identify the security protocols with your new recording software should be a key part of your decision. Not all interview room equipment—or mobile solutions—will include interdepartmental security measures. Once your interview evidence has been recorded, your team needs to know that it can’t be tampered with and that any redactions will be marked appropriately. Secure file storage and being able to back up your audio video files always needs to be addressed.
These differences are where our iRecord solutions rise above the rest. To learn more about how we have developed systems that are secure both on-site and on-the-go, please don’t hesitate to send us a message. We’re always happy to answer your questions about finding the right solution for recording court-admissible interview evidence!