Dash Cam

[ctpres]

Just thinking - after a recent involuntary contribution to a small CA town. I got to wondering about the dash cam and telling LEO about it at the same time we show Texas CC license. Thought began with "don't think I missed THREE speed limit signs." Next time, what if I say "here is our CC license and btw our dash cam is on and it has a voice recorder." Now LEO knows I can show proof of signs, overgrowth blocking sign etc. and will have a voice recording of our conversation. Might even be required in some states to advise LEO that conversation being recorded.
What do y'all think?
My bad luck that day was had dash power problem so dash cam was not on.

[burfurd]

Would not advise them of dash cam at all as you would be in danger of losing your dash cam!

burfurd

[chuckinthebus]

Post signs. Then there are no questions that go unasked or answered on that subject.

[99-Am.Star]

I think they are a great idea. Not only for the situation the OP stated, but also for any accident that may happen in front of you.
Just wondering why they would be "lost" if the LEO was told about it. They use them in their patrol cars all over the country, and nobody takes theirs.........

[RickO]

I've come around to also thinking they're a good idea, but no to debate with LEOs on the side of the road.

If you receive a citation which you feel is unwarranted then you can use your evidence to fight it in court... although it's a real pain if you're out of state and just passing through.

Putting myself in the position of the LEO, I think I would feel as though I'm dealing with a real wise guy if he opened our conversation with "you're being recorded". I also doubt that any state laws require that a LEO be notified that they were being recorded during a traffic stop.

Rick

[VanDiemen23]

I fail to see the primary benefit unless it records the coach's speed at the same time. You could put a GPS display in front of the camera, that way you'd have the time, the speed limit, and your speed all visible, if the camera resolution is good enough to read it all.

Maybe some of the euro dash cams put all that data on the recording.

[Elf]

Originally Posted by VanDiemen23

I fail to see the primary benefit unless it records the coach's speed at the same time. You could put a GPS display in front of the camera, that way you'd have the time, the speed limit, and your speed all visible, if the camera resolution is good enough to read it all.

Maybe some of the euro dash cams put all that data on the recording.

There are indeed a number of dash cams that have integrated GPS data. I have been looking into them but haven't convinced myself one way or the other as to whether or not it's a purchase worth making.

[spritz]

I just ordered one. I think they are a good idea. I am not sure if it has the GPS or not. I'll have to check that out but we have a GPS anyway.

[62Morgan]

I would not reveal my use of a dash cam to either another motorist nor LEO. Let someone know they are being recorded and you've tipped your hand. You can never tell when the other party might have a change of heart and re-tell the story differently after they have gone home and given the accident some thought. I see the cam as a guardian angel, not to be disclosed on-site unless absolutely necessary to the LEO as a must-have determination of fault. Otherwise, it's a silent witness to what occurred; reserved solely for court use.

[CampDaven]

How often will it save you? How often might it be used against you? Some have them for "protection" from scammers.

A dash cam may catch the one that pulls in front and slams on the brakes, but not the ones that fake the collision via intersection intercept or the fake side swipe. You would need cams forward, left and right.

I have not been able to find any statistics on this type of fraud.

There has been a lot of media hype and video sensations about it, but is this a scare tactic?

Seems that the incidents are in large cities with heavy traffic, and many in Russia and the UK.

So, what are the odds? Where do they happen? Have any iRV2 members been victims, or know any victims? I dont know any victims.

I sense that I do not drive where this happens. Perhaps a sign "Dash Cam On Board" is enough?

Many folks admit that dash cams are just neat toys. I find this to be the best answer.

[Fred and Bonnie]

Depending on what you are willing to spend, dash cams can record date, time, speed, and abnormal events.

Fred

[ladagobago]

Just a note: many states do not allow cameras to have microphone if they are recording. In fact, it is required to ask permission to record a conversation. take for instance the person stopped by a policeman and after states that "hey man, I recorded everything you said." well that person is subject to arrest. some persons have been found guilty when the video recorded a persons arrest with their cell phone and then presented this to the court. when it was reviewed they heard voice recordings incriminating the officer but it was thrown out do to these same laws that protect us of "entrapment".

those same laws provide us with warning such as, speed check electronically or speed check by air craft. or Speed zone ahead or solicitors need permits.

I am in the alarm business for over thirty years and although not an attorney do advise my customers to protect them from the "other side".

if you do record someone always ask permission and have them agree to the permission on the recording device. Notice of cameras on location are now a way of life and all activity is sent through the legal and HR departments before prosecution.

Is a dash cam a good choice - absolutely- is it a legal device - depends on the device and the recording algorithms. not all digital recorders meet the criteria.

la dagobago 36 DP

[hes4all]

In the wonderful state of Idaho it is legal to record video and audio if one of the party's know it is being done.

So if you are recording someone as you talk to them on the phone and you know that you are doing it, then its legal! Duh.

[Phobos]

According to recent US Circuit Court decisions, it is perfectly legal to record audio and video of police officers performing their duties in all 50 states.

However, there are cases pending of people arrested for doing so and being charged with obstruction. Personally, I can't see how the officer could make such a charge stick while using a dash cam during a traffic stop, but I guess one could arrest you for anything they could think up if they are determined enough.

Hopefully, you would get a magistrate or a judge who wasn't ignorant of these recent rulings, but if they where, you might be in for a tough fight and out a lot of money in attorney fees and other legal costs.
There are many articles covering these recent decisions, I have linked a few below, but an internet search will reveal a lot more, these a re just the first two I came across.
Supreme Court Inaction Boosts Right To Record Police Officers

Supreme Court Gives Nod to Citizens Who Record Police, Amidst Reports of Multiple Arrests