Video introduces new challenges - An Axon Article
Despite the broadly understood benefits of video evidence to modern criminal investigations, law enforcement officers have largely been left to manage video evidence with deeply flawed tools.
Two in three detectives/investigators, forensic video specialists, and field/patrol officer respondents stated they utilize Windows Media Player and VLC to play video evidence, software that has limited support for the large range of file types officers may need to view.
Footage can come from Ring Doorbell cameras, Nest video cameras, CCTV, cellphones, a dash cam — and so on. Each video source has the potential to capture a different angle of a crime, which is valuable in an investigation and the courtroom.
However, those video sources may also output footage in different formats, some of which are proprietary. Media players with limited support won’t be able to view those files without converting them, but video conversion can seriously alter the quality of video footage.
For instance, converting a file type can alter a video’s frame rate, which can make it difficult to discern crucial details and even change the way things appear.
Investigators are keenly aware of the risks of poor video conversion. Nine in ten forensic video specialists indicated some level of concern about video being misinterpreted, and over half said they have been involved in a case where the frame rate of the video negatively altered the perceived “truth” of the incident.
A prime example of the risks an altered video can pose to public safety is a case against an Ottawa police constable.
A use-of-force incident resulted in an in-custody death that made headlines in Ottawa, Ontario. The deceased, who was involved in an assault, is shown in CCTV video evidence and appears to be violently slammed to the ground by two officers as he resists arrest.
An investigator played the video through a proprietary player and created a screen recording that could easily be shared. Based on this screen recording of the video clip, charges were brought against the constable.
At the request of the officer’s solicitor, the video was reviewed by Grant Fredericks, a certified and experienced forensic video analyst. Fredericks empirically showed that the playback software and the screen recording process used to support the charges had dropped frames from the video, which altered the appearance of the speed and force with which the suspect was brought to the ground.
In other words, converting the video clip’s format changed the footage so much that it created a narrative divorced from the truth.
Where video evidence goes from here
For law enforcement to use video evidence to full effect, they need the proper tools and training. Software that supports various file types, lossless conversion, and other features that preserve the quality of video evidence is a must for investigators.
On top of the proper software, investigators need training to use it effectively and efficiently. Axon provides both.
Axon Investigate is a leading platform for video evidence playback, equipping investigators with the tools to be more efficient and thorough with their investigations. It was built by a team of forensic video analysts and ensures that investigators are ready to present accurate, original evidence in court.
Additionally, Axon’s certified training programs prepare law enforcement to use Axon Investigate to its maximum potential.
Learn more about digital video and how different agencies are leveraging this essential form of evidence in the 2023 Digital Evidence Trends Report.
Text and images copyright of AXON
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