Video Interview Recording
In the world of law enforcement, commercial investigations and disciplinary hearings video recordings provide an accurate and impartial record to benefit all parties. Previously, the size and complexity of the necessary equipment made recording impractical.
To make the recording process as straightforward as possible, ClearView have developed the compact PaceNet series of recorders , in use by police forces, which are easy to use with only two controls: RECORD and STOP. PaceNet records between one and three cameras onto single or multiple DVDs. The discs can be replayed on standard “high street” DVD players or computers.
PaceNet recordings can also be sent over an IP network for live monitoring or hard disc back-up. Facilities are available to time-link written notes to the video recording live, or by written transcript on replay. A particular section of recording can be found instantly by mouse-clicking the relevant section of word document.
The PaceNet system consolidates this knowledge to provide systems which comply with the latest Criminal Justice, British Standards, PACE and HOSDB guidelines in a format which is easy to use, secure and reliable.
- Secure central storage of video and/or audio interview recordings.
- Interview room download of upto three DVD -Video format discs.
- Transcription of video and/or audio from networked or stand-alone PC.
- Configurations available for suspect, children and witness recording.
Many facilities within a modern police premises can now be connected via standard
computer IP networks. There is a general convergence of security, IT and telecommunications technologies which means that all systems can now communicate over the same IP network infrastructure.
This brings specific benefits to video and audio interview recording including:
- Secure central back-up of recordings.
- Movement of recordings via the network without the need to bag and transport media physically.
- Storage of recordings and transcripts at the same location.
- Live monitoring of interviews from any authorised networked location.
- Audit log of all activities associated with every interview.
PaceNet uniquely allows officers to make notes which are linked to the video/audio recording both during an interview, or when replaying an interview recording. These may be in the form of comments, or a full written transcript. Short-cut keys are available to enable the officer or transcription typist to automatically insert the real time into the annotated notes or transcript. When reviewing the notes, the relevant section of the interview can be replayed instantly from a single mouse click.
ClearView Communications' range of video and audio systems have been developed for fixed and mobile applications including recording interviews with suspects, vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, children and employees.
The systems have been designed in full accordance with all relevant guidelines including:
- Private Standard CJS2004 – Visual recording of evidence within the Criminal Justice System – Equipment Specification
- Home Office “Memorandum of Good Practice”
- “Speaking up for Justice” 1998
- “Achieving Best Evidence” 2002
The benefits of ClearView's PaceNet systems include:
- Recordings admissible as evidence in court
- Ease of use with only with two controls “RECORD, END INTERVIEW”
- Small size (same as traditional PACE audio tape recorder)
- Comprehensive alarms with alpha-numeric status displays
- Highest quality of recorded video and Hi-Fi audio
- Options for IP network recording back-up and remote monitoring
- Options for annotation of the interview recording live and on replay
- Options for networked-based transcription
- Replay using “high street” DVD players
- Replay using on standard PC
- Transcription of video and/or audio from networked or stand-alone PC.
- Foot-pedal transcription from PC or transcription DVD player
- DVD duplication capability
- DVD editing capability
- Reliability
- Comprehensive training Service support
PaceNet IP enabled networked option
Many facilities within a modern police station can now be connected via standard computer IP networks. There is a general convergence of security, IT, telecommunications and communications technologies which means that all systems are able to communicate over the same IP network infrastructure. This brings some specific benefits to video and audio interview recording including:
- Secure central back-up of recordings.
- Movement of recordings via the network without the need to bag and transport media physically.
- Storage of recordings and transcripts at the same location.
- Live monitoring of interviews from any networked location.
- Audit log of all activities associated with every interview.
Technical Specification
- Video/audio interview recorder
- Audio interview recorder
- Mobile video/audio interview recorder in carry case
- Mobile audio interview recorder in carry case
- DVD-Video/audio transcription software with foot pedal
- DVD-Video/audio transcription DVD player with foot pedal
- Observe & annotate workstation/software
- Networked video/audio transcription software with foot pedal
- Networked video/audio player software
- Local hard disc recorder store
- Central hard disc recorder store
Video
The systems can record 1, 2 or 3 video cameras in PIP format. If the maximum three cameras are utilised, these will be recorded as a single video picture showing 3 cameras “mixed” in picture-in-picture format. The use of three cameras for video interviewing provides the flexibility to enable the operator to accommodate the change of use of the cameras in each instance. A system utilising three (3) cameras is recommended where a signer/interpreter is involved in the interview. The main camera shows the witness. A wide-angle view of the complete room is inserted as a picture-in-picture (PIP). The third signer/interpreter camera may be easily switched off if required.
Cameras
All cameras are high-resolution colour devices. Fixed interview systems utilise wall-mounted vari-focal or motorised pan/tilt/zoom cameras with facility to remotely control pan, tilt and zoom from a separate viewing/recording room. Dome and pan/tilt/zoom cameras with the appropriate telemetry facilities may also be controlled from any authorised location on the IP network.
Mobile systems are often configured for 2 camera recording. In this case, the fixed wide-angle camera and witness zoom camera are co-located together with the high sensitivity microphone so that only one single camera “block” needs to be connected by a single umbilical cable to the interview recorder. The Camera/microphone unit can be mounted on a desk-stand/table/window sill mini-camera mount.
Audio
Two audio inputs will be recorded at line level. These will be recorded onto two hi-fi soundtracks on all media.
Microphones
The microphones are omni-directional with in-built phantom power supply, pre-amplifier and line amplifier in a self-contained vandal resistant case. As the audio output from the microphone is at line level, it can be fed directly into the recording equipment, whilst offering the additional benefit of a robust audio signal, unlikely to be affected by radio signals or interference. For the mobile system, a high sensitivity microphone is co-located on the camera unit.
Time/date
A visual time/date will be stamped on the recorded video in 24 hour format. The time/date will be synchronised to the Rugby or GPS time signal as appropriate. In addition, the elapsed interview time will be displayed. This is essential for transcription and editing purposes.
Recording Quality
Video images will generally be replayed in full-screen mode. Superb MPEG-2 DVD video quality will be recorded since the material will be used by the police, courts and others within the Criminal Justice System for evidential purposes. Two hours recording is possible on a single standard 4.7Gb DVD+R disc. This may be extended to 6 hours if required.
Video and audio will be synchronised. This is of particular importance since accurate “lip-sync” is essential for court and transcription purposes.
Recording Media
Video/audio recordings will be made on 4.7Gb DVD+R discs.
Recording Back-up (option)
In addition to the DVD discs which are burnt in real-time, the network-enabled PaceNet system provides recording back-up of 25 ips video and audio onto network attached storage. This may be located anywhere on the network, either in the same building as the interview recorders, or remotely.
Local PaceNet Recorder storage
Interviews may be recorded locally on the PaceNet local store which is viewable locally via TFT screen, keyboard and mouse or remotely via IP network connection.
Central Networked storage
Typical iSCUSI storage will utilise RAID-5 which is ideal for mass scale storage using SCSI drives. The systems use redundant, load-sharing power supplies, and multiple cooling fans. Critical modules are hot replaceable.
Operation
Recording of all media is activated using single front panel controls for maximum ease of operation. E.g. RECORD, END INTERVIEW
The system will record up to three discs simultaneously in parallel. These will be burned in real-time.
Equipment format
All video recording equipment will be housed within a single unit and will be of a similar size to existing PACE audio tape recorders. Rear panel connections are provided for video/audio/control/IP network inputs and outputs.
Power
The interview recorder will be powered via a single power connector. A UPS power supply is provided to protect recordings in case of mains failure. There is therefore no danger of recording being lost in the case of mains power failure or intermittent power faults.
Monitoring
The system offers a small in-built 4” LCD colour monitor located on the front panel for camera set-up and “confidence” monitoring. Larger external monitors may be provided if required.
Networking
The IP enabled system offers remote monitoring of video and audio over TCP /IP network.
Annotation
PaceNet uniquely allows officers to make notes which are linked to the video/audio recording both during an interview, or when replaying an interview recording. These may be in the form of comments, or a full written transcript. Short-cut keys are available to enable the officer or transcription typist to automatically insert the real time into the annotated notes or transcript. When reviewing the notes, the relevant section of the interview can be replayed instantly from a single mouse click.
Mobile Carry Case
Audio recording
An optional multi-deck audio cassette recorder may be provided with the system which connects to the rear of the video interview recorder. Audio cassettes record in parallel for suspect interview recording and “cascade” for witness recording. The latter giving 90 minutes of recording before new tape media is required.
Wireless “Talkback” Intercom
An audio intercom can be provided to allow communication between the interview and monitoring room via a press-to-talk microphone and earpiece. This is a wireless system which uses an “in-the-ear” wireless earpiece with volume control.
Transcription
a) Hardware-based transcription
The need to record audio cassettes for transcription purposes is negated since written transcripts can be taken directly from the DVD discs.
A DVD player is available with foot-pedal operates in the same way as an audio cassette transcription machine with PLAY, PAUSE, REW and BACKSPACE controls.
The quality of audio on DVD far surpasses that typical of audio tapes.
ClearView's DVD transcription system comprises:
- DVD player and 14” colour audio/video monitor
- Transcription foot-pedal
- Headphones
b) Software Based DVD Video Interview Transcription System:
PaceNet Transcription Client is a software package of PC transcription provided with a 3 pedal foot-controller, for simple, fast and effective transcription of pre-recorded audio files.
It is designed for quick, simple voice-to-text conversion which can be used with Microsoft Word. It can “float” on top of this application. It is ideally suited to transcribers where the original audio material is recorded off-site and distributed electronically.
A foot-pedal is supplied as standard with this package which controls the Play/Pause, Backspace, Forward & Rewind buttons.
Finished transcripts can be saved or emailed as required.
Standard audio controls for transcription include Play, Pause, (Fast) Forward and Rewind by defined amounts. Holding the Rewind and Fast-Forward buttons makes them decrement and increment faster depending on your settings. Previous and Next buttons allow you to go to the previous and next recordings respectively, which is useful where a long session has been captured over a number of recordings. There are also volume & playback speed controls.
c) Network-based Video Interview Transcription System with Time-Link
PaceNet uniquely allows officers to make notes which are linked to the video/audio recording both during an interview, or when replaying an interview recording. These may be in the form of comments, or a full written transcript. Short-cut keys are available to enable the officer or transcription typist to automatically insert the real time into the annotated notes or transcript. When reviewing the notes, the relevant section of the interview can be replayed instantly from a single mouse click.
The trabscription system features channel isolation and individual volume and play back speed control, which means transcribers have complete control of the play back process. Transcribers can link to specific parts of the recorded proceeding using annotations created when recorded or use the annotation program to create their own notes.