There are two safeguards built into the system to prevent this. First, there is the privacy mode as described above. Second, the TASER AXON is normally configured to operate in the video-only mode during non-event times. No audio is captured until the event button is depressed therefore personal conversations are not captured.

If the video recording does not start until the event button is pressed, there is no way to capture the “pre-event” video which shows what led up to the start of the event recording.  By running the recording full-time (except when in the privacy mode), the last 60 seconds prior to pressing the event button can be automatically saved as part of the event.  As an example, with a traditional analog in car camera, the recording does not start until the lights or siren are turned on or the officer starts the recording manually.  If the officer observed a drug transaction then started a pursuit, the car camera would catch the pursuit in progress, but not the event (crime leading up to the pursuit).  With the TASER AXON, when the officers observed a drug transaction and activates the event mode, it is able to capture the minute before the pursuit started and capture the initial transaction.

While there are never guaranties that any device will stay on an officer during a struggle, the TASER AXON imager module is designed to stay in place during most activities including running.  A low profile, behind-the-head earphone style attachment is also available for enhanced security.

The playback feature allows the officer to review the entire event prior to writing the report.  This helps ensure accurate documentation of incident reports which is critical to help protect the officer from possible discrepancies between video and written reports resulting from trying to keep an accurate mental recollection of events in a high-stress situation.  This is especially important when time has elapsed between the event and the writing of the report.  The playback feature will also allow the officer to “mark” various locations on the video for him/her to easy return to specific sections.

An RF circuit is built into the TASER AXON unit and will be able to activate future compatible TASER® devices, including future generation TASER™ XREP™ and TACOM controlled TASER® Shockwave™ devices.

Battery life is estimated at 10.5 hours at room temperature.  This is enough time to cover a 12-hour shift excluding breaks and other times when the privacy mode would be in use.  The battery can be recharged from a fully discharged status in less than four hours.

Yes.  The battery is contained in a sealed compartment, however the compartment can be opened and changed if required.

Yes.  The main power module, imager/earpiece, and cradle are all waterproof to U.S. and EU standards.

The internal digital memory is 8 GB of flash memory which provides approximately 10 hours of video depending on conditions.  There is also a micro SD card slot available for additional memory.

Yes.  There will be attachments for in-ear, on-ear, headband, eyeglasses, helmet, duty belt, and forearm.

Yes.  The TASER AXON will have a “TV OUT” capability that can be plugged into any compatible monitor.

Shipments will begin in Q1 2009 and possibly sooner.

Preliminary estimates are that the unit will start under $1,000 and final price will be dependent on specific configuration and features.