'VidMic' helps capture what Belmar police see, hear

Those that find themselves face to face with a Belmar police officer may want to be on their best behavior. The Belmar Police Department is the first in New Jersey to use ?VidMics.? Authorities say police

News 12 Staff

Jul 16, 2007, 11:17 PM

Updated 6,265 days ago

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Those that find themselves face to face with a Belmar police officer may want to be on their best behavior.
The Belmar Police Department is the first in New Jersey to use ?VidMics.? Authorities say police officers wear the devices, which capture sights and sounds. The videos can then be downloaded into a computer for future use, if needed.
?It turns a he said ? she said situation into a he said ? she said ? and the video said [situation,]? Chief Jack Hill, of the Belmar Police Department, said.
The devices also capture anything that is said by a police officer. ?Knowing that you?re taping some segment will enable your conduct to be more professional and more compassionate,? Hill said.
According to Hill, officers are not required to notify people before they press record on the devices.
Hill said the video evidence will help reduce lawsuits against the department. The borough said the recordings are admissible in court. The department currently has five of the ?VidMics? and have ordered two more.
For an interview with Chief Jack Hill and an interview with a special officer about the ?VidMics,? go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.