Police using ‘dog cams’ to help them do their jobs

By Sarah Ward via SWNS

A police force is using 'dog cams' to help firearms officers know what kind of situation they are facing.

Cumbria Constabulary in the UK is using the hi-tech gear to help house clearances, vehicle tactics and on-foot containments.

The dog wears a helmet with a fisheye lens to provide a broad view of the scene.

Recorded footage could be easily uploaded afterward to the police force's evidential management system.

The device can also be used for search and rescue operations and in other situations to help law enforcement and military professionals push the boundaries of canine deployments.

Force dog handler PC Glenn Myerscough said: "The camera is exactly what we have been looking for to move our firearms support capabilities forward.

"The camera is simple to use, fits in perfectly with our IT systems, is cost-effective and with it being manufactured in the UK by heliguy™, we are provided with quick support.

"The camera allows us to work alongside our firearms officers and offers them a real-time commentary of what the dog sees ahead of the team, which is obviously a big plus."

"This allows our firearms officers to plan and confidently and safely move forward knowing what they are going to face."

The dog cam helmet is made of impact-resistant nylon 12, while the nylon protective lenses are interchangeable, meaning they can be swapped with sunglasses to enable mission continuity in all weather situations.

Weighing 1kg, the camera and helmet have been designed to be comfortable for the dog to wear, while providing enough support to keep the camera steady.

PC Myerscough said: "The camera is light, comfortable and mounts easily to the dog's head.

"The dogs really haven’t had an issue getting used to it."

The HD camera on the dog's head streams footage back to the handler, which is viewable on a 1080p screen.

The camera has a range of up to 500m and a run time of up to four hours.

The video receiver is placed inside a pouch that can be mounted to the officer’s tactical MOLLE vest.

PC Myerscough said: "The footage is clear and crisp.

"The camera utilizes a fisheye lens, which gives a wide-angle view of what the dogs see.

"The camera is also compatible with evidence.com, which is the system Cumbria Constabulary uses to securely store the footage."

Ross Embleton, the Lead Product Designer at heliguy™ Lab, said: "We are delighted that the dog cam will help Cumbria Constabulary in its firearms operations.

"Utilizing our in-house design capabilities, we have been able to handle the build at every stage, manufacturing a solution that meets the requirements for this type of operation.

"Investing in industrial-grade machinery at our UK HQ means that we can increase turnaround times, provide lifetime support and innovate where necessary.

"heliguy™ has a strong track record of supporting UK blue light organizations, through drone supply, consultancy and support.

"The dog cam is an extension of this provision and we believe it is a powerful tool that can enhance the vital work conducted by our emergency services."