• Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
  • CCPA
  • Medical Disclaimer
Monday, September 25, 2023
Lubbock County News Online
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
    • Crytpocurrency
    • Gaming
    • Gadgets
  • Sports
  • Health
  • General
    • Business Services
  • Travel
  • Press Releases
  • Popular
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
    • Crytpocurrency
    • Gaming
    • Gadgets
  • Sports
  • Health
  • General
    • Business Services
  • Travel
  • Press Releases
  • Popular
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home Technology Gaming

‘Signal Sidearm’ Bodycam Technology Could Be Used Across Hampton Roads — Here’s How It Works – WAVY.com

‘signal-sidearm’-bodycam-technology-could-be-used-across-hampton-roads-—-here’s-how-it-works-–-wavy.com
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Virginia Beach PD previously used the technology

by: Julie Millet

Posted: Feb 28, 2022 / 08:14 PM EST / Updated: Feb 28, 2022 / 08:15 PM EST

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – A Bluetooth police technology that streamlines officer body camera activation could soon be coming to several police departments across Hampton Roads, but it’s already been dropped by one department due to safety issues.

The technology, called Signal Sidearm, automatically activates a police officer’s body camera any time they pull their gun from its holster.

Currently, Suffolk Police Department uses Signal Sidearm. They denied WAVY-TV’s request for an interview about how it works. At least three other departments in Hampton Roads are considering using the technology.

The Virginia Beach Police Department previously used Signal Sidearm, but dropped the technology due to safety issues.

So, we went to the Charlotte-Mecklenberg Police Department for answers about Signal Sidearm. They’ve been using the technology for about a year and a half. For officers in Charlotte, their body camera turns on not just when the officer pulls their gun, but also when they pull their taser or turn on their blue emergency lights on their car. 

“In a life or death situation, they don’t have to think about [turning their camera on],” said Capt. Mike Harris. 

“There’s a lot that goes through our mind when we respond to a call. There’s 15 or 20 different options that could take place – good or bad,” said Harris. 

When Donovon Lynch was shot and killed by a Virginia Beach Police Officer but no body camera footage was available from that officer, it was made public that the Signal Sidearm devices couldn’t properly fit with the department’s existing holsters. The department then worked to get holsters that could accommodate the Signal Sidearm technology.

However, Safariland model holsters and their accompanying Signal technology were pulled several months later after an officer’s weapon fired during a struggle with a homicide suspect at a local hospital. At that time, the police chief said a potential defect with the holster presented the safety issue. 

We reached out to Virginia Beach police for an update on whether they will revisit the Signal Sidearm technology. Our questions were not answered before this report was published.

Meanwhile, in Charlotte, Harris tells us Signal Sidearm goes a long way to creating accountability within his department. 

“We’re in a time where we want to be as transparent as possible,” said Harris. 

“It gives us the opportunity to have that interaction on a daily basis with the people we come in contact with,” said Harris.

The technology initially cost the department about $200,000. It is now part of a larger contract and paid for with city funds.

Harris says the technology is invaluable if it helps his officers stay safe.

“We have stress, we have things to think about, sometimes when that critical call becomes extremely dangerous, we have to laser focus to make sure we go home to our families safely,” he said.

Download the WAVY News App to keep up with the latest news, weather and sports from WAVY-TV 10. Available in both the Apple and Google Play stores.

Lubbock County News Online

© 2021 Lubbock County News Online

Navigate Site

  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
  • CCPA
  • Medical Disclaimer

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • DMCA Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • CCPA
  • Terms of Use

© 2021 Lubbock County News Online

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT