California police test head-mounted cameras

Police in California are testing out a new head-mounted camera system. Police would be required to activate the camera before coming into contact with suspects, according to the L.A. Times.

The device resembles a Bluetooth earpiece and is attached by a band that runs around the back of the officer's head.

It can be connected to an on-and-off button on the officer's chest, and from there to a video screen on a holster. In San Jose, officers are required to switch on the cameras for even routine investigations, such as vehicle stops.

At the end of an officer's shift, the device is placed in a docking station, where it recharges and its content is downloaded and stored on a secure server offsite. A three-year contract for the system for one officer that includes software and video storage costs $5,700, said Tom Smith, chairman and founder of Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Taser.

The Associated Press has more details here.

This video is from The Associated Press, uploaded to YouTube Dec. 27, 2009.