Law enforcement technology Clip-on camera helps Mississippi police

Published 5 July 2011

The small police force at Walls, Mississippi, has technology on its side: a $60 clip-on camera, the size of a pack of gum, which the officer attaches to the front pocket of his or her uniform; the cameras hold a small memory card, capable of recording hours of evidence; the cameras have never been challenged in court

Videorecording a street encounter // Source: columbiamissourian.com

Walls, Mississippi, has a small police force — only five officers on its force. Because the force is so small, it was difficult for the officers to take time off from patrolling the streets to testify in court in case requiring their presence.

The local police chief found a solution: a $60 clip-on camera, the size of a pack of gum, which the officer attaches to the front pocket of his or her uniform. The cameras hold a small memory card, capable of recording hours of evidence. “I call it my silent partner,” Walls Police Chief Gary Boisseau told Fox News. “We’re a small department, there’s usually one maybe two of us on at a time and it’s good to have that extra set of ears — that extra set of eyes out there.”

The Walls police has been using the cameras for the past year. Boisseau says that the “second set of eyes” has helped in the quick prosecution of court cases, which translates into saving the town’s employees time and court costs.

The cameras have never been challenged in court. Boisseau issued instructions that officers cannot turn the cameras on and off. Once they are recording they must continue to roll.

Boisseau told Fox News it gives him security. “It gives me peace of mind knowing — exactly what happened during one encounter is documented and out there for anybody who wants to see it,” he said.