CopTrax, the new in-car video system from Stalker, in conjunction with the Byron, Ga., Police Department, performed the first successful field trail of Google Glass by law enforcement officials. The CopTrax/Glass field trial was designed to test Glass functionality in the CopTrax video capture environment during a number of common police activities - routine traffic enforcement patrol, stops issuing citations, arrests, and firearms practice. Operation "Futuristic Police Officer" was the first known test of Google Glass in actual law enforcement situations and was designed to test Glass's compatibility with CopTrax's innovative real-time video streaming, high-resolution video capture and cloud storage, and live GPS tracking from any Internet-connected computer. Until this test, body-worn video cameras have been used by police officers but none have the capability of supplying real-time streaming video and Geo-location information. The combination of Google Glass and CopTrax also enhances proximity alerts and Geo fencing information for the officer on patrol.
"In addition to testing routine police activities, another goal of the Futuristic Police Officer field trial was to study the increased situational awareness and capture of high-quality audio and video evidence from the officer’s perspective," according to field trial supervisor Lt. Bryan Hunter. The test was performed on Sept. 13th, 2013 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Lt. Bryan Hunter supervised the field trail. Sgt. Eric Ferris and K-9 Officer Corporal Clay Fauquier were outfitted with Google Glass while running the CopTrax application. "Ultimately CopTrax is meant to save lives and careers through accurate capture of events and positive location preservation," CopTrax Product Manager Bill Switzer added.
1. Patrol with Radar and Laser
Each of the officers participated in vehicle patrol using the Google Glass device running with the CopTrax application. The officers were asked to determine if the Google Glass device obstructed their view or movement while driving and interacting with speed enforcement equipment. "Google Glass was not an impairment at all,” according to Sgt. Ferris. “You don't even know it's on," he continued.
2. Traffic Stop
Both officers performed several traffic stops while using the Google Glass device running with the CopTrax application. The officers were asked if the Google Glass device interfered with their movements or vision when outside of the vehicle or interacting with violators.
Corporal Fauquier reported no interference by Google Glass when exiting and re-entering the patrol vehicle or interacting with motorists.
3. Arrest
Officers performed one arrest while using the Google Glass device running the CopTrax app. The officers were asked if the Google Glass device interfered with their detainment or control of the subject.
"Wearing Google Glass caused no problems or interference. Recording video from the officer's point of view could be helpful if questions about the circumstances of the arrest are raised," Corporal Fauquier said.
4. Firing Service Weapons
Both officers fired their service pistols and patrol rifles to check video stability, device retention, and effects of recoil. "Target acquisition was ... great. We fired an H&K UMP 9mm full auto with a red dot sight system. We had no problem acquiring the target. Engaging the target in full auto, the vibration or recoil of the weapon didn't bother the optics of the Google Glass...and I was able to get a clear sight picture," Sgt. Ferris said. "Overall the tests were quite positive," Product Manager Switzer said. "Google Glass is the ideal body-worn video device. It gives correct perspective and follows the officer's head movements, unlike other clip-on type cameras," Switzer continued.
"The image quality from the Google Glass device was incredibly crisp and clear. Since Glass is worn at the officer's eye level, viewing the video from Project Futuristic Police Officer was like looking through the officer's eyes. The video that we captured was amazing. We believe that our CopTrax video solution paired with Google Glass has the ability to 'save lives' as well as careers. We are dedicated to officer safety and we appreciate the opportunity to use technology to protect those who protect us," Switzer said. CopTrax is available through Stalker Radar's network of Regional Sales Managers located in territories around the U.S. For more information, visit the CopTrax web site, CopTrax.net.
Founded in 1977, Applied Concepts, Inc., introduced the first Stalker Radar to the law enforcement industry in 1989. Stalker Radar is the dominant Doppler radar system and continues to lead the industry in technology breakthroughs and product innovations.
