WatchGuard Video announced today that it has been awarded a state contract for digital in-car video from the State of Minnesota. WatchGuard Video was the only manufacturer awarded a contract for a standalone solution (a digital in-car video system that does not require a backend server computer). The WatchGuard DV-1 is a police in-car video system that records video in real-time onto rewriteable DVD-Video discs directly in the vehicle without any additional back-office equipment or expense. 

"Our unique DVD-Video based police in-car video system continues to be the solution of choice for state patrols, small departments, and agencies that issue take-home vehicles. I am personally grateful for the honor of serving the great State of Minnesota where I grew up," Robert Vanman, president and CEO of WatchGuard Video, says.  

Approximately $2.5 million in grant money has been set aside by Gov. Tim Pawlenty specifically for in-car video systems. From the 2008 state contract with Minnesota, WatchGuard has already received several large orders from the Minnesota State Patrol as it works toward equipping all of its patrol vehicles with WatchGuard DV-1s. For this year's contract, Minnesota State Patrol recently evaluated several other in-car video systems, and concluded that the WatchGuard DV-1 continues to be the product of choice for the State Patrol.

WatchGuard anticipates new orders to arrive mid-summer. This new contract also expands the WatchGuard agreement beyond the State Patrol to include special pricing for all law enforcement agencies across the State of Minnesota.

The new contract also includes WatchGuard's latest addition to the DV-1 line of products, the CopVu Wearable Camera. This unique product allows the camera to go with an officer providing a new level of protection for agencies against frivolous lawsuits and consequential costs. The CopVu camera system simply clips on the officer's uniform and is easy to operate.