Body worn video

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Biker wearing one of the first 'helmet cams' ca. 1987 Mark Schulze Helmet Cam.jpg
Biker wearing one of the first 'helmet cams' ca. 1987
Skydiver with helmet camera Barra Skydive - panoramio.jpg
Skydiver with helmet camera
Reporter with camera on helmet to live stream press conferences Webcam4 (7883965326).jpg
Reporter with camera on helmet to live stream press conferences

Body worn video (BWV), also known as body cameras and body-worn cameras, or wearable cameras is a wearable audio, video, or photographic recording system.

Contents

Body worn video has a range of uses and designs, of which the best-known use is as a part of policing equipment. Other uses include action cameras for social and recreational (including cycling), within commerce, in healthcare and medical use, in military use, journalism, citizen sousveillance and covert surveillance.

Nascent research on the impact of body-worn cameras in law enforcement shows mixed evidence as to the impact of cameras on the use of force by law enforcement and communities' trust in police. [1]

Designs

Body worn cameras are often designed to be worn in one of three locations: on the torso, on or built into a helmet, and on or built into glasses. Some feature live streaming capabilities while others are based on local storage. The National Criminal Justice Technology Research, Test, and Evaluation Center has conducted market surveys on the body worn cameras to assist organisations in purchasing the best camera. The survey discusses device functionality, optics, audio, GPS, and several more categories. These cameras range in price from 200 dollars to 2,000 dollars. [2]

Applications

Law enforcement

Wearable cameras are used by police and other law enforcement organizations in countries around the world. The cameras are intended to improve interactions between officers and the public. The first generation of 'modern' police body cameras was introduced around 2005 in the United Kingdom, followed from 2014 onwards by large scale implementation in the United States, mainly to increase transparency and police accountability. Other countries have followed the trend. Early studies overwhelmingly showed positive results, but replications have led to mixed findings. Outcomes have been shown to differ depending on the local context and the guidelines regulating activation of the bodycams. Challenges include training, privacy, storage and the use of recordings further 'downstream' in the judicial system.

Military combat

US soldier in Afghanistan with a personal helmet camera, 2010 Kunar river Noorgal district in Afghanistan's Konar province.jpg
US soldier in Afghanistan with a personal helmet camera, 2010

Body worn cameras, as well as helmet cameras are used in the military. [3] . Video can either be stored locally, or streamed back to a command center or military outpost. A notable instance of this was the raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound, where live video footage of the raid is believed to have been streamed to the White House. [4] In 2013, a British Royal Marine soldier was convicted of murder after shooting to death an unarmed and injured Afghan insurgent, contrary to the Geneva Convention. The incident had been recorded by a helmet camera whose images and sound were used in evidence at a court martial relating to the incident. [5] The helmet camera has been the focus of the Discovery Channel series Taking Fire about the 101st Airborne in the Korengal documenting their personal war footage. In 2016 "a camera recovered from the helmet of a dead fighter offers a contrasting picture of chaos and panic in a battle with Kurdish peshmerga." [6]

Firefighting

Firefighter with bodycam 2019 04 06 Brandcontainer PHP-42 (40603366113).jpg
Firefighter with bodycam

Firefighters use helmet cameras as a tool to assess fires and for communication and training purposes. Cameras in this occupation are often thermal cameras in order to be able to see in darkness and inside smoke-filled buildings. Augmented reality can be added to accentuate outlines of objects and people. [7]

Healthcare

Body worn video has been suggested and explored in parts of the medical field. Data recorded from wearable cameras can assist in medical research and limit error caused by inaccurate self-reporting of data. [8] It is speculated that under-reporting is common when conducting dietary and nutrition assessments. [9] Research suggests body worn video reduces under-reporting of intake during such assessments. [10] Cameras can for example be used as a memory prosthetic for conditions that affect the memory. [11] Body worn devices have been used to assist in clinical settings. In 2013, Google Glass was used to assist in surgery by providing a mostly hands-free way to broadcast and receive consultation from another surgeon. [12] Body cameras were provided to hospital staff by the Cardiff and Vale Health Board in Wales, United Kingdom. The cameras were issued to reduce the likelihood of violent assaults against staff. According to the manager who provides support to staff who have been attacked, the cameras – and especially the audio recording – have been vital for successful prosecutions. [13]

Privacy concerns

Concerns over privacy have been raised with this technology, most notably in the context of Google Glasses and policing. The advent of large-scale data collection, possibly in combination with facial recognition and other technologies capable of interpreting videos in bulk, means that all cameras, including body worn cameras, could create a means of tracking people anywhere they go. In policing, critics have warned that each police officer could become a "roving surveillance camera" [14] Police will interact with citizens during vulnerable moments, [15] such as in a hospital, or in a domestic violence situation. Concerns have also been raised that this algorithms not only infringe on privacy rights, but could also be ethnically biased. [16] The American Civil Liberties Union has suggested policies to balance citizen's rights with the desire for more transparency and accountability. [17]

See also

Related Research Articles

Closed-circuit television use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place on a limited set of monitors

Closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly transmitted, though it may employ point-to-point (P2P), point-to-multipoint (P2MP), or mesh wired or wireless links. Though almost all video cameras fit this definition, the term is most often applied to those used for surveillance in areas that may need monitoring such as banks, stores, and other areas where security is needed. Though videotelephony is seldom called "CCTV" one exception is the use of video in distance education, where it is an important tool.

Surveillance monitoring of behavior, activities, or other changing information, for the purpose of influencing, managing or directing

Surveillance is the monitoring of behavior, activities, or information for the purpose of influencing, managing or directing. This can include observation from a distance by means of electronic equipment, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), or interception of electronically transmitted information, such as Internet traffic. It can also include simple technical methods, such as human intelligence gathering and postal interception.

Steve Mann (inventor) Professor and wearable computing researcher

William Stephen George Mann is a Canadian engineer, professor, and inventor known for his work in augmented reality, computational photography, particularly wearable computing, and high dynamic range imaging. He also founded InteraXon, makers of the Muse and Muse2 brain-sensing headband, and is also a founding member of the IEEE Council on Extended Intelligence (CXI). Mann was born in Canada, and currently lives in Stanford/Palo Alto, California, with his wife and two children.

<i>The Transparent Society</i> book by David Brin

The Transparent Society (1998) is a non-fiction book by the science-fiction author David Brin in which he forecasts social transparency and some degree of erosion of privacy, as it is overtaken by low-cost surveillance, communication and database technology, and proposes new institutions and practices that he believes would provide benefits that would more than compensate for lost privacy. The work first appeared as a magazine article by Brin in Wired in late 1996. In 2008, security expert Bruce Schneier called the transparent society concept a "myth", claiming it ignores wide differences in the relative power of those who access information.

Hidden camera type of camera

A hidden camera also known as a spy camera is a still or video camera used to record people without their knowledge. The term “hidden camera” is commonly used in TV shows, sometimes when subjects are unaware that they are being recorded, and usually lacking their knowledge and consent. The term “spy camera” is generally used when the subject would normally be expected to object to being recorded as an invasion of their privacy. The term “security camera” is commonly used to provide a justification for a surreptitious recording, and can be contrasted with security camera, which is visible and which sometimes is accompanied with a warning notice of its presence.

Mass surveillance Intricate surveillance of an entire or a substantial fraction of a population

Mass surveillance is the intricate surveillance of an entire or a substantial fraction of a population in order to monitor that group of citizens. The surveillance is often carried out by local and federal governments or governmental organisations, such as organizations like the NSA and the FBI, but it may also be carried out by corporations. Depending on each nation's laws and judicial systems, the legality of and the permission required to engage in mass surveillance varies. It is the single most indicative distinguishing trait of totalitarian regimes. It is also often distinguished from targeted surveillance.

Sousveillance recording of an activity by a participant in the activity, typically by way of small wearable or portable personal technologies

Sousveillance is the recording of an activity by a participant in the activity, typically by way of small wearable or portable personal technologies. The term "sousveillance", coined by Steve Mann, stems from the contrasting French words sur, meaning "above", and sous, meaning "below", i.e. "surveillance" denotes the "eye-in-the-sky" watching from above, whereas "sousveillance" denotes bringing the camera or other means of observation down to human level, either physically, or hierarchically.

A helmet camera, otherwise known as a micro video camera, is an action camera, usually a closed circuit television camera, attached to a helmet allowing someone to make a visual record from their point of view (POV), while keeping their hands and vision free.

Equiveillance is a state of equilibrium, or a desire to attain a state of equilibrium, between surveillance and sousveillance. It is sometimes confused with transparency. This balance (equilibrium) allows the individual to construct their own case from evidence they gather themselves, rather than merely having access to surveillance data that could possibly incriminate them.

Axon Enterprise, Inc. is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based company which develops technology and weapons products for law enforcement and civilians.

Onboard camera camera placed upon a vehicle

An onboard camera or in-car camera is a camera placed upon a moving object, such as a vehicle.

Police accountability involves holding both individual police officers, as well as law enforcement agencies responsible for effectively delivering basic services of crime control and maintaining order, while treating individuals fairly and within the bounds of law. Police are expected to uphold laws, regarding due process, search and seizure, arrests, discrimination, as well as other laws relating to equal employment, sexual harassment, etc. Holding police accountable is important for maintaining the public's "faith in the system". Research has shown that the public prefers independent review of complaints against law enforcement, rather than relying on police departments to conduct internal investigations. There is suggestion that such oversight would improve the public's view on the way in which police officers are held accountable.

Surveillance art is the use of technology intended to record human behavior in a way that offers commentary on the process of surveillance or the technology used to surveil. Surveillance art manifests itself in many different forms, from short films to architecture, but all have been shown to provide some type of critical response to the rise of surveillance by various authorities and the technology used to achieve it, especially when dealing with issues of security and enforcing laws.

Big Brother Watch is a non-profit non-party British civil liberties and privacy campaigning organisation. It was founded in 2009 to campaign against state surveillance and threats to civil liberties.

Domain Awareness System surveillance system by Microsoft

The Domain Awareness System is a surveillance system developed as part of Lower Manhattan Security Initiative in a partnership between the New York Police Department and Microsoft to monitor New York City. It allows the NYPD to track surveillance targets and gain detailed information about them, and is overseen by the counterterrorism bureau.

Pro-Vision

Pro-Vision is an American manufacturer of specialty cameras headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan. The company manufactures and sells a variety of cameras including dashcams, body cameras, and backup cameras. The company has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing American companies from 2011 to 2017. As of December 2016, Pro-Vision products have been used by organizations in over 50 different countries worldwide.

Body worn video (police equipment) body worn video used as police equipment

In policing equipment, body worn video (BWV), body-worn camera (BWC), body camera or wearable camera is a wearable audio, video, or photographic recording system used to record events in which law enforcement officers are involved. They are typically worn on the torso of the body on the officer's uniform. Body worn cameras for policing are often similar to other body worn video equipment used by civilians, firefighters, or the military, but are designed to address specific requirements related to law enforcement.

Patrick Harmon was a 50-year-old American man fatally shot from behind by police officer Clinton Fox in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 13, 2017. The shooting took place after Harmon was pulled over by an officer for riding a bicycle without proper lighting. The incident led to protests in Salt Lake City, some organized by Black Lives Matter.

Police surveillance in New York City history of NYPD surveillance

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) actively monitors public activity in New York City, New York, United States. Historically, surveillance has been used by the NYPD for a range of purposes, including against crime, counter-terrorism, and also for nefarious or controversial subjects such as stealing drugs to resell them, monitoring political demonstrations, activities, and protests, and even entire ethnic and religious groups.

Neighbors (app)

Amazon Neighbors, also known as simply Neighbors, is a neighborhood watch app offered by Amazon and Ring Inc. that allows users to get real-time crime and safety alerts from your neighbors and local law enforcement. The Neighbors Portal is an extension of the Neighbors app that allows police officers to view and comment on public posts as verified law enforcement.

References

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  2. Hung, Vivian; Babin, Steven (2016). "A Market Survey on Body Worn Camera Technologies" (PDF). Laurel, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  3. Bud, T. K. (2016). The Rise and Risks of Police Body-Worn Cameras in Canada. Surveillance & Society, 14(1), 117–121.
  4. "Obama watched live video of bin Laden raid, U.S. official says". CNN. May 20, 2011.
  5. "Royal Marine guilty of murder". BBC News. November 8, 2013.
  6. Reuters, "Helmet cam footage shows Islamic State in chaos," April 29, 2016 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-idUSKCN0XQ134
  7. News, CBS (31 December 2018). "New augmented reality technology could help firefighters save lives". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
  8. Doherty, Aiden R.; Hodges, Steve E.; King, Abby C.; Smeaton, Alan F.; Berry, Emma; Moulin, Chris J.A.; Lindley, Siân; Kelly, Paul; Foster, Charlie (March 2013). "Wearable Cameras in Health". American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 44 (3): 320–323. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2012.11.008. ISSN   0749-3797. PMID   23415132.
  9. Pettitt, Claire; Liu, Jindong; Kwasnicki, Richard M.; Yang, Guang-Zhong; Preston, Thomas; Frost, Gary (2016-01-14). "A pilot study to determine whether using a lightweight, wearable micro-camera improves dietary assessment accuracy and offers information on macronutrients and eating rate". The British Journal of Nutrition. 115 (1): 160–167. doi: 10.1017/S0007114515004262 . hdl:10044/1/26551. ISSN   1475-2662. PMID   26537614.
  10. Gemming, Luke; Rush, Elaine; Maddison, Ralph; Doherty, Aiden; Gant, Nicholas; Utter, Jennifer; Ni Mhurchu, Cliona (2015-01-28). "Wearable cameras can reduce dietary under-reporting: doubly labelled water validation of a camera-assisted 24 h recall". The British Journal of Nutrition. 113 (2): 284–291. doi: 10.1017/S0007114514003602 . ISSN   1475-2662. PMID   25430667.
  11. Visual Memory Prosthetic, 1996
  12. Schreinemacher, Marc H.; Graafland, Maurits; Schijven, Marlies P. (2014-11-11). "Google Glass in Surgery". Surgical Innovation. 21 (6): 651–652. doi:10.1177/1553350614546006. ISSN   1553-3506. PMID   25389144.
  13. Seal, Chris (17 February 2015). "Body cameras for hospital security staff to clamp down on violence". Barry And District News. Retrieved 2019-05-07.
  14. Tilley, Aaron. "Artificial Intelligence Is Coming To Police Bodycams, Raising Privacy Concerns". Forbes. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  15. "Police Perspective: The Pros & Cons of Police Body Cameras". www.rasmussen.edu. Retrieved 2017-04-16.
  16. "How Police Body Cameras Work". HowStuffWorks. 2015-06-12. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  17. "A Model Act for Regulating the Use of Wearable Body Cameras by Law Enforcement". American Civil Liberties Union. June 2018. Retrieved 2019-05-08.