Best Data Storage Solutions for Body Cameras

As of 2016, 25 states had already created legislation regarding the use of body-worn cameras and another 22 states along with the District of Columbia were considering implementing similar laws. With an increasing number of law enforcement officers using body-worn cameras, a problem is starting to become evident in many precincts. And that problem is data storage or a lack thereof.

Although a lack of sufficient data storage or outdated storage technologies is posing a serious problem in many municipalities, the potential benefits that body camera footage can provide far outweigh the issue regarding insufficient or antiquated data storage systems. Here are just a few of the benefits that body cameras can provide:

• Reduced court time

• Lessened burden on prosecutors

• Video evidence that can be used in investigations

• Improved training opportunities for law enforcement

• Better relationships between police officers and community members

• Crime prevention or deterrence

The Challenge Involving Data Storage Technology

The challenge involving data storage technology lies largely in the sheer volume of footage that police departments retain. While the length of time a department may be required to retain body camera footage may be as long as five years or more, the requirement will likely vary from one location to another as there currently isn’t a federal mandate.

In general, police departments hold onto 1 – 2 percent of their fixed camera footage and about 2 – 3 percent of their footage from dashboard cameras beyond what’s considered the standard retention time. When it comes to body camera footage, approximately 4 – 6 percent of the video is kept longer than the standard period of time. This increase in body camera video can put a strain on many departments’ data storage systems.

While volume accounts for a big part of the challenge involving data storage solutions for police departments, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Efficiency is another part of the problem. Officers must be able to categorize, archive and access body camera footage on demand quickly and easily.

The Solution

What’s the solution for municipalities that are struggling to store their body camera footage? Implementing the best data storage technology currently available, of course! While that may sound like common sense, it’s not an easy thing to do because the most ideal storage solution may not be affordable in every instance and officers may lack the training necessary to manage a new data storage solution.

While those things must be handled at a local level, we can provide some parameters that can help you find the best data storage solution for your location. Here are some of the things you should look for in a data storage solution for body camera footage:

• High reliability

• Continuous access and availability

• Ability to share video with authorized users

• Ability to integrate video from third-parties

• Scalability

• Cost-effectiveness

• Built-in security, including backup capabilities

• High-performance capabilities

Contact SANDirect

If you’re looking for data storage technology that has all of the characteristics listed above and more, you needn’t look beyond the data storage solutions offered by SANDirect. To get a quote for a data storage solution for body camera video, we encourage you to reach out to SANDirect today.