Cobham Antenna Systems, Microwave Antennas
News
2008-10
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Case Study: Domo, Reveal Media and Kent Police
Body Worn Camera and Antenna System - Full scale public order training exercise
by Kent Police
The light weight, directional antenna (model DHDA-2.4V/1448) designed by Cobham Antenna Systems, Microwave Antennas, has been integrated within the Body Worn Video Wireless Solution developed by Reveal Media and Cobham Tactical Communications & Surveillance (formerly Domo). The antenna with camera, four live video feeds and GPS system, is mounted on the helmet and data is transmitted to a central command centre. This system provides the Police with a real-time situation overview, plus front line and close-up images. Material can be of logged with live video recordings providing an alternative or complementary evidence gathering system.
First used by Avon & Somerset Police foot patrol and mounted officers at Glastonbury Festival, this time Kent Police carried out a full-scale public order training exercise. The system was tested to determine whether it would withstand the harsh, violent environment of front line patrol and to establish the level of improvements it would make to decision making and evidence gathering.
For the exercise, four digital links from helmet-mounted cameras beamed live video and GPS positions direct to a command centre. Information on the level of hostility would enable support to be deployed to the right place, at the right time. The cameras and antennas were fitted to the officers’ public order helmets and other equipment was worn beneath body armour so that officers could be ‘hands-free’.
HOW THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS
Reveal Media and Domo developed the Wireless Body Worn Video System for viewing and managing multiple live feeds from body worn cameras and handle large quantities of recorded evidence and other media.
Live video feeds are logged by Reveal Media’s software and evidence from solid state video recorders is managed by their Camera Archive and Management System (CARMA).
After the exercise, officers wearing the equipment advised that it did not affect their mobility. Kent Police reported that image quality was acceptable. Chief Inspector Bob Platt, programme manager on the force’s innovations board, reported that even when officers were running with shields there was little degradation on transmitted images. Transmission was reliable and Kent Police are planning to pursue the technology.
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CARMA has been purchased by the several Police Forces
Live GPS data is mapped and GPS ensures an officer’s position can be monitored so that a situation overview is created. Adrian Coombs of Avon and Somerset Constabulary said that command can see and hear everything happening at the scene, helping the officer in charge to direct resources; ‘it is like having an extra pair of eyes on the street’. The system will be useful for evidence gathering during public order situations, football matches and firearms incidents and it could be a deterrent to offenders and a reassurance to the public.
The antenna’s high specification and rugged construction ensures constant and reliable operation. The weight of the antenna (model DHDA-2.4V/1448), cable and splitter is 95 grams (3.3 ounces).
Cobham Tactical Communications and Surveillance (Domo)
www.revealmedia.com