JUNEAU - It’s called I-COP. It’s a small camera inside the window and every county squad car in Dodge is about to get one.
It’s a dangerous job – but riding with Deputy Gib Fairman during a recent hot pursuit is his new $4,000 partner I-COP
“My main concern was everybody’s going to be okay,” Fairman said.
The digital camera details every second of the chase from 100 miles per miles hour down rural roads to clipping corners while weaving in and out of city streets.
The 19-year-old driver blows through a stop sign and hits an occupied car. There were no injuries.
Lt. Doug Ninmann says the videos are valuable for learning.
“At this corner you can see him hit the curve and he blows his right tire,” Fairman said.
It all ends when the driver tries to escape through some backyards but ends up busted in a muddy field.
Lt. Ninmann says the officer can articulate each step and when he does, it’s recorded. He’s got an instant reference instead of relying on mental notes.
Cameras in cars aren’t new, but these digital cameras give law enforcement something they’ve never had before.
"This is digital technology," Sheriff Todd Nehls explains. "It can not be altered. It is what it is."
That can help if any questions or doubts are raised in court or by the public.
“When we have video systems like this it captures real data and the entire event. It allows us to answer those questions the public might have,” Sheriff Nehls said.
Fifteen squads now have I-COP. Next month all 31 marked cars will have it.
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