Firearm dataloggers

We discuss the development of a versatile electronic data capture system. This system is unobtrusively fitted to the lethal or less-than-lethal firearms carried by armed police, security forces etc in the course of their duties. The system has the potential to increase accountability and the effectiveness of post incident evaluation by capturing secure, legally submitable digital evidence. This evidence can then be used to determine the users actions and those of persons challenged or fired upon. We specifically focus on firing event detection, synchronizing data capture to the firing event, inherent armoury inventory and tracking facilities and minimally invasive mounting systems. The system currently incorporates digital video and limited spatial sensing capabilities. We evaluate these and explore possible future developments such as GPS, telemetry and full 3D spatial tracking. The research project is being conducted with Partnership Venture grants from Durham University and with Durham University School of Engineering. Facilities and consultancy are being provided by Durham Constabulary Special Operations Department.