MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. –-(Ammoland.com)- The FACT Duty Weapon-Mounted Camera (WMC) from Viridian Weapon Technologies made headlines this fall when FOX News picked up the story of an Iowa police department implementing the recording device. Viridian recently announced that the Hiawatha Police Department is the first in the state of Iowa to deploy the WMC, distributing the device to all of its officers. In the recent coverage, FOX News stated that, according to Hiawatha Police Chief, Dennis Marks, Viridian’s gun cameras “provide better video” than body cameras.
“The WMC is absolutely critical for policing today, and we continue to see it gaining major media attention and making a significant impact in departments nationwide,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “With more than 500 agencies in the process of testing or deploying the device, and a recent criminal case in Texas where the gun cam played a crucial role, it’s becoming more apparent than ever that this solution is vital to modern policing.”
Viridian created an important category for law enforcement with the introduction of the WMC. The device provides an unobstructed view of critical use-of-force events from the end of the firearm, addressing limitations officers can face with body cameras. Body and dash cameras were not designed to capture officer-involved shootings. However, Viridian WMCs were designed specifically for this purpose.
The highly advanced WMC employs a 1080p full-HD digital camera with a microphone and 500 lumen tactical light. Viridian’s proprietary INSTANT-ON® technology automatically activates the camera and microphone whenever the officer draws the firearm from its holster. Not only does this eliminate risk of failure to manually turn on the camera during a critical event, but it also keeps the officer from fumbling with cumbersome equipment.
Easy Purchase and Implementation
FACT WMCs do not require the purchase of supplemental equipment or services and are designed exclusively to answer the needs of today’s officers. The WMC generates just a small fraction of the data to manage compared to other law enforcement recording options because it only records when the officer’s weapon is drawn.
After the purchase of the WMC, there are no maintenance fees, monthly charges or other significant expenses required. This results in significantly lower comparative data management costs than other evidentiary camera systems. The FACT Duty is a one-and-done solution for law enforcement administrators and purchasing departments.
The WMCs fit on existing standard-issue firearms and fit seamlessly in multiple duty holster platforms, making it easy for implementation by any law enforcement agency. The cameras feature a recording time of over three hours to handle virtually any scenario. They also incorporate secured data access and are easily rechargeable.
More information on FACT Duty WMCs can be found at ViridianWeaponTech.com/FACT-Duty-Learn-More.
About Viridian Weapon Technologies
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Viridian Weapon Technologies is devoted to applying cutting-edge technology to design compact, powerful self-defense products for the civilian, military and law enforcement markets. Viridian is the leader in weapon-mounted technology and responsible for a number of firearm innovations including green and red laser sights, LED weapon-mounted illuminators and several shooting accessories including the TacLoc® Holsters. Viridian products are designed and built in the USA. More information is available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.
Soon the feds will be passing laws to force us to put these on our firearms. Wouldn’t surprise me. And maybe having one on wouldn’t be a bad idea in most cases. The only issue I see is the shootings that the police will be involved in where “the camera was not turned on” take place.
I expect this could be a good tool to teach or learn how to shoot properly, placing a round on target. The sights will not be visible but the attitude of the firearm should be readily apparent. The price of the unit should be that the average working man could buy one.
Arm up, carry on.