IACP 2016: TASER Announces New Products, Releases Virtual Reality Video

One of the most popular exhibits on the show floor at this week's International Association of Chiefs of Police was a virtual reality video at the TASER International booth that showed how evidence captured by the company's Axon product line can vindicate officers accused of excessive force. Hundreds of attendees lined up to experience the VR scenario.

TASER also released the video that was shown during the VR presentation in its booth after the show ended Tuesday. Every law enforcement officer now can have access to the virtual reality experience through the Axon Insider mobile app. The VR experience gives officers a 360-degree view on how the Axon network of devices and apps enables them to go with confidence from the field to the courtroom. The video will be available in the Axon Insider app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Visit Axon.io/VR for a chance to receive a complimentary VR headset from TASER.

At this year's IACP conference TASER also announced the release of the Axon Flex 2, a next generation update to its iconic Axon Flex camera. Flex 2 will feature a host of improvements over Axon’s original point-of-view camera, from an increase in video quality from 480p to 1080p to new mounting options and better battery life. Its increased field-of-vision means that officers can capture more and gain a new perspective. TASER will start initial shipments of the Axon Flex 2 in December 2016 with full production beginning in early 2017. For additional specs and pre-order information visit: axon.io/flex2

In addition to its Axon Flex 2 announcement, TASER presented its new on-demand Transcription Service for Evidence.com. Offered through SpeakWrite as a premiere partner, the new 24/7 service will allow Evidence.com users to order transcriptions of video and audio files on a pay-as-you-go basis from trained, US-based typists. Within about 24 hours, transcriptions of body camera video, in-car video, interview room video and audio, and Axon Capture recordings are automatically synced with Evidence.com and made available as metadata for the relevant evidence file.

During the conference, TASER CEO and co-founder Rick Smith laid out the company's vision to reduce paperwork for officers and to start having technology work for them. In order to help departments maximize the value of their digital data, TASER intends to develop and make available a cloud-based alternative to traditional RMS technology that will be tightly integrated with its Evidence.com system.

The Axon network includes:

Smart Devices – Body cameras and in-car video that leverage technology such as Bluetooth wireless technology and Wi-Fi to better track and manage data

Mobile Apps – Evidence management for iOS and Android devices with Axon View and Axon Capture

Unified and Integrated Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) – One platform that removes siloed DEMS through cloud computing, integrations across media points, and open file standards that do not require proprietary file formats or media players

Forensic Suite Tools - Forensic analysis via Axon Five and Axon Detect and proprietary video format conversion via Axon Convert

Connected Ecosystem – From capture to courtroom, securely share and track digital evidence across public safety stakeholders

Digital Verification and Audit Logs – Record every interaction with any piece of digital evidence including capture, ingest, retrieve, manage, and share

Advanced Security – Industry–leading people, practices, and products that