Fort Worth PD Purchases 400 AXON Flex Cameras
Yesterday, the Fort Worth Star Telegram and other outlets reported that the Fort Worth Police Department purchased 400 new cameras for its officers to wear in the field. The cameras attach to an officer’s collar or eyeglasses.
Fort Worth police now provide a camera to each new recruit as of December of 2013. As Police Chief Jeffrey W. Halstead said:
"With more than 600 cameras to be deployed in the near future, we realize this technology is a game changer for all of law enforcement. We have built a stronger foundation of public trust while making our profession more transparent for our citizens. This technology has proven to be invaluable for our Officers."
As of now, the cameras are primarily employed by officers in the traffic division, such as the Zero Tolerance unit, Gang, and SWAT.
Field Sobriety Tests in HD?
Having a video camera on the officer’s person instead of in the patrol car could capture DWI investigation in unprecedented detail. Many police reports which announce “bloodshot eyes” or the driver fumbling for a driver’s license or insurance card could potentially be validated or invalidated like never before.
The effect could be dramatic for Field Sobriety Tests. The current patrol car dashcam videos recording the field sobriety tests are limited in capability. They are often some distance away, and make it difficult to make out faces, let alone details or gestures. There is no way for defense lawyers or juries to see the eyeball movement in HGN test. With these new cameras, that could be a possibility.
It is uncertain if these cameras will be used in DWI investigation. Time will tell.
