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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 02-1359

NOTICES

STATE POLICE

Mobile Video Recording System Equipment Standards and Approved Mobile Video Recording Systems

[32 Pa.B. 3862]

   The State Police, under the authority of sections 5704(16)(ii)(C) and 5706(b)(4) of the Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act (act) (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 5704(16)(ii)(C) and 5706(b)(4)), has approved, until the next comprehensive list is published, subject to interim amendment, the following equipment standards for electronic, mechanical or other devices (hereafter referred to as mobile video recording systems) which may be used by law enforcement officers for the purpose of interception as authorized under section 5704(16) of the act. Mobile video recording systems must consist of the following components.

Overview

   The design of the mobile video recording system must use technology which includes a camera, monitor, wireless voice transmitter/receiver and a recording device with a secure protective enclosure for the recording device, electronics and receiver components. The system must be powered from a standard automotive vehicle operating at 11 to 16.5 volts DC, negative ground. Current drain on the vehicle electrical system must not exceed 3.0 amps. The system must operate over the following temperature range: -4°F to 130°F (-20°C to 55°C).

Camera

   The camera component must have the following features:

A.  Auto focus and auto iris.
B.  Flexible mounting bracket to allow manual aiming controls.
C.  Auto zoom (automatic zoom in then back out to normal distance).
D.  Minimum sensitivity rating of 2.0 lux.
E.  Minimum horizontal resolution of 330 TV lines.

Monitor

   The monitor component must have the following features:

A.  Controls for picture brightness and contrast.
B.  Capability of being switched off without affecting recording.
C.  A speaker and volume control system.

   The monitor must be capable of displaying:

A.  Camera image (live).
B.  Previously recorded information from the recording unit.
C.  Date and time.
D.  Recording index indicator.
E.  In-car/wireless microphone activity indicator.

Wireless Voice Transmitter/Receiver

   The wireless voice transmitter/receiver must have the following features:

A.  Battery powered wireless microphone transmitter. B.  Antenna incorporated into the microphone.
C.  A plug-in connector and a clothing clip on the microphone.
D.  FCC type acceptable under 47 CFR 74H.
E.  The transmitter must not have recording capabilities. F.  The wireless audio system must be equipped with either a digital coded squelch or a PL tone squelch circuit to prevent accidental activation of the record mode in stray RF fields.

Recording Device

   The recording device must be capable of recording onto tape or other comparable media and have the following features:

A.  Enclosed in a secure housing protected from physical damage and unauthorized access.
B.  Capable of recording audio and video for a minimum of 2 hours.
C.  Record time/date, recording index and remote microphone indicator.
D.  Record over protection.

System Control

   The control console must be mounted within easy reach of the operator. The control console must contain the controls to operate the following functions:

A.  Power.
B.  Record.
C.  Play.
D.  Rewind.
E.  Fast Forward.
F.  Pause.

   The State Police, under the authority of sections 5704(16)(ii)(C) and 5706(b)(4) of the act, has approved for use, until the next comprehensive list is published, subject to interim amendment, the following list of approved mobile video recording systems which meet the minimum equipment standards set forth in this notice.

System 7, Mobile Vision, Boonton, NJ
Eyewitness, Kustom Signals, Lenexa, KS
Patrol Cam, Kustom Signals, Lenexa, KS
Motor Eye, Kustom Signals, Lenexa, KS
Cruise Cam, The Cruisers Division, Mamaroneck NY
I Track, McCoy's Law Line, Chanute KS
Docucam, MPH Industries Inc., Owensboro, KY
Digital Mobile Witness, T.A.W. Security Concepts, Wheat    Ridge, CO Car Camera AV360, A.S.S.I.S.T. International, New York,    NY
OPV, On Patrol Video, Ontario, OH
Gemini System, Decatur Electronics, Decatur, IL

   This notice does not prohibit the authorized use of a mobile video recording system that is not specifically identified if the system otherwise meets the equipment standards set forth in this notice. Moreover, mobile video recording systems that are not activated to record oral communications or do not have an oral recording capability need not meet the equipment standards set forth in this notice. Manufacturers may submit equipment to be added to the list by contacting the State Police, Bureau of Patrol. New units must be in full commercial production. No prototype models will be considered. Proof of current sales and delivery of the specified equipment over the past 6 months must be provided, in writing, referencing current customers with contacts and phone numbers for verification. When requested by the Department Headquarters, the manufacturer/bidder must furnish a complete working system installed in a vehicle for inspection within 30 days.

   Comments, suggestions or questions may be directed to State Police, Bureau of Patrol, Department Headquarters, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

COL. PAUL J. EVANKO,   
Commissioner

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 02-1359. Filed for public inspection August 2, 2002, 9:00 a.m.]



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