JCF using advanced technology to catch lawbreakers
Motorists often rebut police with ‘I wasn’t speeding’ when they are caught in the act. This will be much harder to pull off successfully, as the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has new technological equipment called ‘Tru Cams’ that are being used to catch those who go over the speed limits.
Corporal Tyrone Walker from the Accident, Investigation and Reconstruction unit told THE STAR that these devices have high-quality camera lens that record the targeted vehicles and relevant details such as speed, location and driver.
“We have two types of speeding instruments … the lazer technology (Tru Cam) is the latest of the two. It takes a picture and records video footage. The officers go on the road and hold it and point it at the actual target and it actually records everything. Upon stopping the motorist, you can play back the video for them to see what transpired,” he said.
The Tru Cam, which can be used from a moving police vehicle or tripod, offers something that the older version, the Talon 2, doesn’t – pictures and video footage.
“The older type (Talon 2) only displays a read out. So upon you actually aiming at the target, it just shows you a read out. Now, with the newer type, it shows you the distance, the vehicle, it highlights everything that is necessary.”
Walker says that roughly 50 of the older models are being utilised, along with 10 of the newer ones. More of the current ones have been ordered.
Deputy Superintendent of police Orette Bascoe, told THE STAR that the JCF’s technology unit will be rolling out body-worn cameras for police officers.
He believes this will allow officers to defend themselves by showing the story from their point of view, giving the public more than just the viewpoint of citizens using their phones.
The JCF is also upgrading its fingerprint system. Officers will be able to scan fingerprints while out on the roads, to aid in finding people who are wanted, or those with criminal records.