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November 25, 2007

Smart Camera Car

From ContraCostaTimes.com - L.A. tests array of police technology

LAPD's smart car or the Critical Incident Utility Vehicle is "equipped to sniff out stolen cars, recognize criminals, track fleeing suspects and conduct remote video surveillance in high-crime areas." In a six-month test, officers using ALPR found 200 "parked stolens" and 40 "rolling stolens". It also includes the following:

• A dart-gun-like projectile shooter that fires a global-positioning-system tracking device at a fleeing suspect's car. The electronic monitor clamps onto the rear of the car, allowing officers to discontinue the chase and safely follow the suspect using satellite tracking technology. Operated by compressed air, the "StarChase" system is mounted within the patrol car's front grille. Gomez said it can fire the projectile about 20 feet.

• Video receivers that can connect to closed-circuit TV cameras set up in high-crime areas. Officers responding to emergency calls in those areas can operate the cameras and observe the situation in real time before they arrive at the scene, Gomez said. So far, the cameras are set up around the Jordan Downs housing project in the Watts area, he said. Five patrol cars in that area also have the video capability.

• Specialized computers that allow suspects' fingerprints to be scanned and checked in the field. Wireless Bluetooth technology connects the cruiser's computer to a database that contains the fingerprints of those with outstanding arrest warrants.

• Facial recognition equipment that can identify known suspects. The system has been used in the department's Rampart Division and has resulted in more than 50 arrests, mostly for gang injunction warrants, Gomez said.

• In-car video cameras that record windshield views and activities in the patrol car's back seat. The system automatically uploads its images when the car returns to the police station. About 300 police cars in the department's South Bureau are being equipped with the camera gear.

  Gomez said the equipment adds as much as $100,000 to the standard $25,000 cost of a patrol car. Although the costs are expected to drop eventually, the timetable for citywide distribution of Smart Cars is uncertain, he said.

Posted by rshah at November 25, 2007 09:09 PM

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