How Police Dash Cams Record and Display Speed Data

In recent years, the use of police dash cameras has become widely adopted to provide visual records of police interactions and activities. One common question is whether or not these cameras directly display the speed of the police car. This article explores the various methods and systems that police departments use to record and display speed data from their dash cams.

How Police Dash Cams Typically Record Speed Data

Police dash cams are designed to capture the events that occur during a police officer's patrol. However, these cameras do not directly display the speed of the police car. Instead, more advanced systems often feature additional technologies that can record speed data, such as radar or LIDAR units.

Radar and LIDAR are commonly used to measure the speed of vehicles on the road. These systems can be integrated with the dash cam system, providing a comprehensive view of the incident, including the speed at which it occurred. This integration is particularly useful for legal and evidence purposes.

Speedometer Readings in Dash Cam Footage

While some dash cam systems may include the speedometer reading in their video footage, this feature can vary depending on the model and installation. Some dash cams can be programmed to capture the speedometer reading, while others rely on separate equipment, such as radar or LIDAR systems.

Technically, the speedometer reading is just one of the data points that can be captured and integrated with the video footage. For specific and accurate speed data, police often rely on the onboard computer or the dedicated radar/LIDAR system that comes with the vehicle.

Cost Considerations for Dash Cam and Speed Systems

The inclusion of advanced features like radar or LIDAR is not mandatory and depends on the budget of the police department. Some police departments opt to install systems that include all these features, while others choose simpler setups that may rely solely on the dash cam without the extra speed recording capabilities.

For some police vehicles, especially the newer models, it is common to find systems that show not only the speed data but also the status of the siren and lights. These systems are typically more advanced and expensive, providing a complete picture of the vehicle's operation during a patrol.

Conclusion

In summary, while police dash cams do not directly show the speed of the police car, many modern systems incorporate radar or LIDAR technology to record this data and integrate it with the camera footage. The level of integration and the additional features available depend on the department's budget and specific needs. For precise speed data, the onboard computer or dedicated radar/LIDAR systems are often relied upon, but advanced dash cam systems can provide a comprehensive view of the incident.

Overall, the integration of these technologies is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in policing, providing a complete record of police activities and interactions with the public.