All-In-One Audio/Video Device...Vidmic

Fortuna Police procure special all-in-one audio/video devices

Humboldt Beacon

Posted: 12/30/2010 10:58:17 AM PST

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The Fortuna Police Department recently acquired four Vidmic devices. These communication devices work much like a shoulder microphone but carry a full-color digital video and audio recorder and can take still photos.

Several of Fortuna Police Department officers are now equipped with new technology. It's an all-in-one communication device and it allows officers to record video evidence.

The Fortuna Police Department has enthusiastically begun the deployment of the Vidmic device (video/microphone) -- a crucial risk-management tool which is integrated into an officer's portable radio microphone; able to record up to three-hours of audio and full color video, along with still photographs. The Fortuna Police Department has purchased a total of four Vidmics to be used by sworn-personnel working uniformed field assignments.

The Fortuna Police Department currently has some of its patrol vehicles equipped with digital video cameras with remote microphones. However, it has been found that these systems do have some limitations. They cannot record video of an officer in a residence, in the back yard or down the dark alley.

Officer Charles Ellebrecht of the Fortuna Police Department said that the Vidmic will routinely be worn by officers and they will have this essential tool with them to accurately document events as they occur. The video is date-time stamped, downloaded into electronic files to be preserved and cannot be deleted. The funding for this technology was obtained with a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

A study completed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police found that when a video record of an incident was available, that video record exonerated officers of allegations more than 96 percent of the time.

That same study also revealed that video provided other significant monetary and efficiency benefits such as a reduction in frivolous lawsuits, increased likelihood of prosecution, reduced court appearance time for officers, enhanced officer safety, enhanced in-service training from post-incident review of video, and simplified incident review

Tactical A/V

EHS Changes Name to VIDMIC, Names New CEO

VIDMIC, a global provider of officer-worn video, radio accessories and digital file management software, today announced the appointment of board member Todd Haynes as Chief Executive Officer. The company also changed its name from EHS (Earhugger Safety) to VIDMIC, Inc.

“Taking the reins of an industry-leading company is an exciting prospect,” said Todd Haynes, CEO of VIDMIC. “We are building on the company’s legacy of success and innovation and are also introducing a number of programs that will enhance customer service and enable our innovative solutions to be deployed to the field on a large scale, but with individual attention.”

Haynes has been an entrepreneur and IT professional for the last 15 years. He previously was CEO of NetPoint LLC, an IT consulting company, ISP and co-location facility. After selling Netpoint in 2001 he became CEO of Intermountain IT. Haynes’ background as a Cisco security professional enabled Intermountain IT to specialize in bank and medical records security, HIPAA and GBL compliance and IT consulting. After consulting with EHS, Inc. and offering his expertise as a member of the board of directors he was named CEO of EHS in January 2011.

VIDMIC was founded in 2001 and was the first company in the United States to bring to market an officer-worn video system. With thousands of units used by first responders, patrolmen, soldiers and others in the field, it continues to lead the industry today.

The company has also initiated a new channel partner program to provide better local customer support for VIDMIC clients. VIDMIC will launch a certification program to ensure its channel partners will be able to provide a broad depth of service for clients.

The VIDMIC product line is segmented into three main categories:

• VIDMIC – The award-winning, officer-worn video camera located in an officer’s shoulder microphone. The VIDMIC body-worn video system does not add any additional equipment to the uniform.
• VidVault – The advanced file management software which protects the chain of custody of evidence with multiple safeguards such as embedded date and time stamp, serial number recognition, coded entries, supervisor’s audit trail and other features to maintain admissibility in court.
• Ear Hugger – The company’s line of popular headphones, two-way communications headsets and shoulder microphones

Mark Freatman dba Tactical Audio/Video and VidMic

Vidmic

Video evidence is currently being collected by many police departments via in-car video recorders. Video has been shown to increase the likelihood of successful prosecution while protecting officers and agencies from false allegations and frivolous law suits. At the same time, video enhances officer safety, training, performance, and professionalism. But in-car video can’t go with the officer up to the door, inside the apartment, into the backyard, or down a narrow alley. It can’t prove the officer had permission to search a house, did, in fact, Mirandize a suspect, and did not make sexually inappropriate advances. The VIDMIC can. While some question the “Big Brother” aspects of such pervasive police surveillance, most citizen’s see the benefits to police work as outweighing any privacy issues. The VIDMIC was recognized as the most innovative communications product of 2007 at the annual International Chiefs of Police convention. The VIDMIC was also awarded the Global Sources Electronics Design Award presented at the 2007 China Electronics Fair; one of the world’s largest electronics trade shows. American Cops Turned Into Walking Cameras by Dynamic New Technology. It looks like the shoulder mic most police already wear, but a hidden camera captures crime as it happens. Spanish Fork, Utah – Dec 2, 2008– Across the country 400 departments have purchased and 100 more are testing a new, award winning law enforcement technology called the VIDMIC. Being sold nationwide by a Utah based company, EHS, Inc., the VIDMIC is a fully operational shoulder mic which houses a color digital video recorder, still photo camera, and digital audio recorder. The high-tech data acquisition system goes everywhere the police officer wearing it goes and records important information at anytime. The revolutionary device provides an eye witness to every event an officer is involved in; an eye witness whose testimony is absolutely reliable. Video evidence is currently being collected by many police departments via in-car video recorders. Video has been shown to increase the likelihood of successful prosecution while protecting officers and agencies from false allegations and frivolous law suits. At the same time, video enhances officer safety, training, performance, and professionalism. But in-car video can’t go with the officer up to the door, inside the apartment, into the backyard, or down a narrow alley. It can’t prove the officer had permission to search a house, did, in fact, Mirandize a suspect, and did not make sexually inappropriate advances. The VIDMIC can. While some question the “Big Brother” aspects of such pervasive police surveillance, most citizen’s see the benefits to police work as outweighing any privacy issues. The VIDMIC was recognized as the most innovative communications product of 2007 at the annual International Chiefs of Police convention. The VIDMIC was also awarded the Global Sources Electronics Design Award presented at the 2007 China Electronics Fair; one of the world’s largest electronics trade shows.

Mark Freatman dba Tactical Audio/Video and VidMic

New Crime Fighting Tool Turns Cops into Video Cameras

Request information from EHS, Inc. VIDMIC

It looks like a common police radio but a hidden camera captures crime as it happens.

Spanish Fork, UT– September 26, 2007– EHS, Inc., a Utah based law enforcement equipment company, has announced the arrival of its newest product, the VIDMIC.  The VIDMIC is a revolutionary data acquisition system which goes everywhere the officer goes and records important information at anytime.  A full color digital video recorder, still photo camera, and digital audio recorder are all housed in a fully functioning shoulder mic.  Because officers already use shoulder mics, there is no need for them to add additional equipment to their already overburden utility belts in order to have video and audio recording capabilities.

The contributions of video technologies to successful police work are well documented.  In-car video has been shown to reduce frivolous law suits and increase the likelihood of successful prosecution.  At the same time, video enhances officer safety, training, performance, and professionalism.   Video reduces time spent writing reports and protects officers from false allegations.

But in-car video can’t go with the officer up to the door, inside the apartment, down the narrow alley, or into the backyard.  It can’t prove the officer had permission to search a house, had probable cause to do a sobriety test, and did, in fact, Mirandize a suspect.  For all the outstanding advantages of in-car video, the VIDMIC will provide even greater, far reaching benefits for officers and police work.

VidMic in Laredo

UISD Police Department Receives Vidmic Donation from Sheriff Martin Cuellar

12 JANUARY 2011 NO COMMENT

Courtesy Maru De La Paz,

Laredo, Texas – On Wednesday, January 12, 2011, The Webb County Sheriff’s Office donated twenty (20) Video – microphones, which are police microphones with the ability to take pictures as well as digitally record video and audio, to theUnited Independent School District (UISD) Police Department.  The donation of the vidmics was paid through the Webb County Sheriff’s Office forfeiture funds, which is money confiscated by Webb County Sheriff’s Office deputies from their successful disruption of the illegal sale of illicit drugs.  This donation represents yet another preventive safety tool in the arsenal of policing equipment for the United Independent School District Police Department.  During recent decades, the use of video evidence collected by in-car video recorders has enhanced officer safety, training, performance, and professionalism.  However, most school district officers spend most of their time away from their cars’ video recorders and in the hallways of their assigned schools. The donated vidmics will allow the UISD officers to take this important police tool wherever they go.  In dealing with minors, the United Independent School District Police Department must utilize extreme caution and the vidmics will allow officers to record and document situations as evidence for school records and court cases.  Furthermore, the video will allow for school authorities to better identify participants in school incidents such as fights.

Sheriff Martin Cuellar is glad to be assisting a partneringlaw enforcement agency, stating that, “The Webb County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the particular challenges that UISD peace officers face daily in their special duties to protect the students, teachers, and other professionals on the campuses of their school district.  They are tasked with a very special mission ensuring the safety of our youth.  With these vidmics, the officers will possess another police surveillance tool to enhance their ability to 

Realtor Search

5 Major Tips for Finding the Perfect Realtor

When you decide to purchase a home, setting a budget and making that decision are only the first steps. You need to do so much more, such as finding a realtor in your area that will sell you the home of your dreams. Working with a realtor takes time, energy, and patience. It becomes a very emotional process that buyers spend a lot of time devoted to. So finding the perfect realtor is all part of the big step of buying your own home.

The first thing is to look for a genuine realtor. Find someone that radiates positive energy while still having immense knowledge on the subject of selling homes. You want your realtor to be someone that will treat you as a person completing a life milestone, not just another sale.

Part of finding a realtor also lies within yourself. If you don't know what you want in a home or location, then you cannot expect your realtor to pull something magic out of her hat. Make a list of your preferences and whether are not you are flexible. This will help him or her narrow down options and show you homes that you would be more inclined to purchase. Also, make sure your realtor will actually listen to your wants instead of dismissing them.

Always look through reputable companies. You do not want to get trapped in a legal limbo with a real estate agent and company that were out to scam you. This happens more often than you may think and can be dangerous. Instead, you should always pick your agent and always choose your own attorney. It is also important to make sure your attorney is not affiliated with the real estate company.

When looking for agents keep in mind that they are in fact, salespeople. It is their job to make a commission off your home purchase. When it comes to browsing homes do not let them push you around. State firmly what you want and where you want to live. Don't let them suggest a home that costs "only $20,000 more" than your budget. Stick within your requirements. If your realtor doesn't respect that, drop them and look for someone else.

Lastly, when it comes to finding a realtor always go for the ones with experience. Newer realtors may not have as much knowledge about the area or understand specific things you need for your first home. Experience presides over all other requirements, and you will be able to tell the difference in the service you receive.

VidMic

The VIDMIC VX2 has a larger LCD view screen but much longer battery life than the first-generation VIDMIC.

VIDMIC, a global provider of officer-worn video, radio accessories, and digital file management software, today announced a new version of its VIDMIC body-worn video system. The new VIDMIC VX2 delivers unprecedented video intelligence, longer run time, and greater ease of use in a lighter, water-resistant unit that doubles as a video camera, video screen, and shoulder microphone.

"Our officers greatly benefit by having video and audio capabilities available to them at any time," said Lonnie Cook, chief of the Laredo Independent School District Police Department. "Because the camera is inside the shoulder microphone, nothing extra is added to the uniform. We've found that when people know we are using video technology, it has a tendency to immediately diffuse tense situations as well as providing irrefutable evidence of what happened." 

VIDMIC was the first company to bring to market an officer-worn video system in the United States. The benefits of using wearable video cameras for police are well documented. The use of video has been shown to increase officer safety, document traffic violations and citizen behavior, reduce time in court, provide evidence for internal investigations, increase the likelihood of successful prosecutions, and save taxpayer dollars by reducing frivolous lawsuits.

In fact, according to a study by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), when video evidence is available for complaints brought against officers, the officer is exonerated 93 percent of the time.

"With the VX2, we are bringing officer-worn video for law enforcement to the next level," said Todd Haynes, CEO of VIDMIC. "The VX2 is true to our patented design where the camera is mounted inside the shoulder microphone. The fact that no additional equipment is added to the uniform makes it a very attractive solution to officers. We've expanded the storage on the unit to 8GB and cranked the battery life to support 12 hours of stand by time and four hours of live video recording."

VIDMIC VX2: The next evolution of officer-worn video includes the following:

• Improved battery life: 12 hours of stand-by and four hours of active video recording

• Larger LCD screen: integrated video screen located on the back side of shoulder microphone

• Lighter case: the VX2 is about .5 ounces lighter than its predecessor

• Increased storage: 8GB of storage enables hours of video and thousands of still photos

• Larger lens: increases the field of view by camera

• Low-light recording: better video quality in various lighting conditions

• Firmware upgrades: control a greatly expanded feature set to comply with various department/city policies

• Water resistant: new seals and form factor enable use in all weather conditions
• Manufacturing has been moved to U.S. facilities for improved quality assurance and timely delivery.

Related:

On-Body Video: VIDMIC's Man with a Knife

On-Body Video: VIDMIC's Home Entry

On-Body Video: VIDMIC's Intoxicated Woman

Be careful what you publish on the internet...

A couple of years ago someone suggested I become a Notary Public and service the title business as a mobile Notary.  I thought why not, I was working at Clear Channel as an Ad Exec, I could use the extra money.  But little did I know Q3 2008 would be a time when everyone's nightmare of financial stability (including mine) would come to a screeching halt.

I lost half of my client base and half of my income...scary.  Fortunate for me I had a back-up plan.  I started working part time as a mobile Notary making a few extra dollars on the side.  As I began to see the potential I reached out to more clients to broker closing outside of my area.  I thought, what a great idea, you mean I can schedule closing and make a little extra for facilitating the deal?  I was great, I went from 5 closings to 80 in just a short while.

Well, as anyone who knows me, can attest to one thing...I'm not afraid to take the ball and run with it.  The problem I faced was that I grew way to fast and tried to expand without considering the financial risk.  As I looked at ways the be technologically advanced I ended up robbing Peter to pay Paul and hurt some people along the way.

Well what can I say, except I'm a little embarrassed... So why am I righting this blog?  I guess its because I want people to understand the power of the internet.   Did you realize that if you publish something negative on the internet that it NEVER goes away.  Much to my surprise, the people I owed $100 or even $200 posted information about me that I can never erase.  I got slammed for $100 wow... And now even as I begin   to pay people back those people can NEVER retracted  their statements or post a positive comment.

Oh well, I'll just keep doing the right thing and hope the name Mark Freatman has a positive comment next to it.

CAUGHT: Facebook Scammer IM’s Me through Friend’s Account

Just got finished with a chat. Pretty scary stuff having a dialog with somebody you know is a thief. Check out the chat log below. I called my Friend’s place of work immediately when I finished the chat. Maybe somebody will be able to catch him at Western Union.

PS: He’s trying to chat with me now to see if I’ve gone to Western Union

Facebook Chat with Thief:

[MS]
8:41am
how are you doing??
how are you doing??
[You]
8:42am
Hey M! Doing well and you?
[MS]
8:42am
Am not good at the moment……..I and my family are in some deep mess right now
[You]
8:42am
I hope you mean the blizzard
[MS]
8:43am
We are currently stuck in London,UK..last night i and my family traveled to London on a short vacation unfortunately we got mugged at a gun point
I was hurt on my head,writing you in tears now as we speak All cash and credit card was stolen off including cell phone,it was a brutal and scary experience
[You]
8:43am
Holy Shit. Nobody was hurt?
OMG. Can I get in touch of any family for you?
[MS]
8:44am
We are freaked out here,have been to the embassy and the police they are not helping issues at all i was ask to come back in three weeks time….Thank God we still have our life and passport saved.I Need your help??
[You]
8:45am
how can I help?
[MS]
8:45am
Our return flight leaves in 3hrs from now but we are having problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel management won’t let us go until we pay the hotel bills
I need you to Loan Me some money to settle my bill and also take a cab down to airport..I will def refund it back as soon as we get back home
[You]
8:46am
How much?
[MS]
8:46am
900
[You]
8:46am
will that be enough?
[MS]
8:46am
yes
You can wire the money to me through western-union all you need is name on my passport and location
[You]
8:47am
M, would love to help you, but how do I know it’s real?
[MS]
8:47am
if i was not the one i won’t have asked you to send the money to my name,as we both know i will need some kinda of identification at the bank or western union before cashing the money…as this point i will want you to know that you are my only hope.
[You]
8:47am
OK, give me all the info I need to get it to you.
[MS]
8:48am
ok
Name : MS Address : 7 Walworth Road London, SE17 1RL, United Kingdom
got it
[You]
8:49am
What’s the name of the hotel you are at?
[MS]
8:49am
do yo know any western union outlet around you there
[You]
8:50am
I’ll find one.
When do you these this by?
[MS]
8:50am
ok..how long will it take you to have done and get back to me on time
[You]
8:51am
I can leave in 10 minutes
[MS]
8:51am
ok
let me give you email
me2you201@hotmail.com
[You]
8:52am
Good luck, M. I hope all goes well.
got it. thanks

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