Benedictine Univ. security first in state to try shoulder-mounted camera

Beware college students. The next unflattering photo of you doing keg stands in your dorm room may be taken by your campus police officer.

The Benedictine University Police Department is trying out a new shoulder microphone that also houses a color digital video recorder that takes high quality still photos while recording video.

Sgt. Paul Creekmore said the camera, which is barely visible on the shoulder microphone, will be a useful tool for campus police busting parties, encountering underage drinking or working university sporting events when thousands of non-students show up on campus.

Creekmore said the university is the first police department in the state to use the camera for non-traffic related issues.

Officers will wear the new combination camera-microphones much like they currently attach their microphones to their uniforms. When an officer encounters a situation where video documentation may be helpful, he needs only press one button to begin recording. Taking a still photo is almost as easy with the LCD screen on the back of the camera.

"The (camera) is a valuable resource that will provide an accurate depiction of events we encounter, ensure a level of officer safety and reduce potential claims against officers," he said. "Our entire community can be assured that inappropriate behavior will now be documented by responding officers."

Despite operating as a microphone, the cameras used by the department will have the audio recording capabilities removed to prevent unintentional violations of state law requiring people to consent to having their voices recorded.

All photos and videos taken by the officer, however, will be admissible in court proceedings.

"Before we even began investigating the technology, we had a discussion with the states attorney's office to ensure everything we're doing is within the scope of the law," Creekmore said.

At $700 per unit, Creekmore said he hopes during the next budget cycle to purchase one or two cameras for each of the department's four shifts. During the month that the department has been testing the unit, however, Creekmore said it hasn't been used in any "serious situations."

"It's really a quiet time of year on campus right now so just because we haven't needed it, doesn't mean we never will," he said.

The camera, called VIDMIC, was recognized as the most innovative communications product of 2007 at the annual International Chiefs of Police convention.