Maui Police Study of AXON Body Worn Camera Underway

Maui Police Department body camera study. Maui Now graphics.  Image is of the VIEVU camera that was tested in July 2016.

The Maui Police Department’s Plans, Training, Research & Development Section began one month feasibility study on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016, on the use of the AXON body-worn camera.

The Department plans to field test a third body-camera supplied by a separate vendor in the up-coming months in order to best select one for future implementation.

The latest cameras will be field-tested by officers in the various Patrol Districts.

Police say the results of the study will assist the Department in making informed decisions about the future implementation of the technology.

For the latest study, the Maui Police Department is using the body-worn camera by TASER.  According to the company website, the single-unit on-officer camera “now features upgraded capabilities like unlimited HD video, Wi-Fi video offload and industry-leading security enhancements.”

Use of this camera is not indicative of any future use or decision to solely utilize this proprietary camera.

In July 2016, the MPD tested the use of the VIEVU body-worn camera.  According to the VIEVU website, the camera offers “forensic high definition video exactly as experienced by the officer.”  The camera lens allows for forensic analysis, distance measurements and crime scene reconstruction, according to the company’s website.

In April 2015, the MPD tested the Axon Body and Axon Flex Cameras by Taser International.  Taser’s AXON body is an on-body camera with a core uni-body; and Taser’s AXON Flex is a wearable camera system incorporating multiple mounting options, including use as an eye-wear mount.