Axon started to become popular in Brazil about two years ago, despite being a company for nearly 30 years. The brand, which is responsible for supplying body cameras to public safety agencies such as the São Paulo Military Police, found itself in the middle of political debate when the issue came up in government debates.
“There are 5,000 cameras that monitor all police officers for 12 hours straight. A female police officer goes to the bathroom and is filmed for 12 hours. It’s incredible,” even the then candidate for the São Paulo government, Márcio França (PSB), said on the Roda Viva programme. TV Culture.
Even the elected governor, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), went so far as to say he would “absolutely” remove the police cameras. “What does the camera represent? It is a situation that puts the police at a disadvantage in the face of bandits.” young panduring the campaign.
After Tarcísio was elected, he backed down and promised to continue the policy. “Camera issue, I was more critical in the campaign, now let’s wait. Let’s stay. Let’s see the outcome and what adjustments we can make.” CNN.
The truth is, according to a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV), so-called Portable Operational Cameras (COPs) have reduced the number of Deaths Due to Police Intervention (MDIP) in the police district by 57%. In the example of the São Paulo Military Police, units using the technology compared to the average for the period before the equipment was deployed.
In addition, according to FGV, 104 deaths were prevented in the first 14 months of use of the technology, resulting in a 63% reduction in the total number of incidents.
HE IS Technology World He spoke with Arthur Bernardes, senior account manager at Axon in Brazil, and argued that the body camera is a kind of “chest-worn witness.”
“Everybody has a cell phone, which is a kind of camera in their pocket, and they can record what the police are doing. But the truth is, the police side is never exposed. So the body camera does just that. He argues that the most important actor of the interaction is to give a version of the facts, that is, to show his perspective on the intense events in which the police participate”.
How does PM camera work?
THEM PM from SP uses Axon Body 3 modelUsed by approximately 7,000 police officers worldwide. It was adopted in the “Olho Vivo” project developed by the São Paulo security organization in 2021. The idea was precisely to offer guarantees to both representatives and the public.
Axon Body 3 offers up to 1080p video resolution, up to 12 hours of battery life, 64GB of storage, is IP67 rated (protects against dust and withstands submersion up to 1 meter), multi-channel audio – microphone, live maps, LTE and more. Very soon, technology has not yet gained Wi-Fi connectivityIt will be used where mobile network coverage is uncertain.
Bernardes explains that all configuration and camera activation parameters are defined by the agency contracting the service. In the case of the SP’s Prime Minister, The camera turns on when the police officer goes to respond to a report sent by the Military Police Operations Center (COPOM).. The agency also standardized that records must be taken when there are approaches that require the use of force. All images are classified and go to other platforms that support the operation of the cameras.
One of the systems Axon Evidence, a cloud-based structure that stores all captured audio and video material. The cryptography-protected platform performs full control of the data (it even shows if any video has been shared without permission, allows searching of videos by date, police officer’s name, location and dozens of other parameters) and therefore serves as legal material in cases brought to prosecution.
there is also axon responseFor example, it combines sensors to trigger command teams in more sensitive situations such as fire exchange or pursuit. With Respond, it is possible to know where the patrol officers are and speed up the dispatch of reinforcements.
“Cameras are like car insurance. You don’t expect to crash the car but if you crash it is there to protect you. When asked about security agents who don’t see the Axon Body 3 “with a good eye”, Bernardes adds, the police officer doesn’t expect to engage in a shootout, but if they do, it’s protected by records.”
The Prime Minister of Sao Paulo even took advantage of the videos taken during the demonstrations and used them as informative and entertainment content. The organization’s YouTube channel currently has more than 800,000 subscribers and more than 41 million watched streams. Here is an example of a police action recorded by Axon Body 3 and converted into content on YouTube:
The future of security forces
Axon’s product catalog consists of several other products, such as the Taser, a non-lethal electroshock weapon that has popularized the brand around the world. Currently, the equipment is in its seventh version and has short-range shock, as well as electric darts that paralyze the affected body area.
Taser 7 has a rechargeable battery, mobile app for inventory management, automatic firmware update, natural green laser in sight, and more.
Among the products of the American brand is Axon Air, an integrated drone platform for public safety. The solution provides evidence (with Axon Evidence) and data management in addition to live wireless streaming of risk situations.
Bernardes argues that flying equipment could be the future of security forces. They could alternatively work in a scenario where there is a more prepared berth infrastructure – where drones can land and charge.
“Drones offer great flexibility in terms of range and response time, as they are a kind of advanced special-event lens for situations where you need to intervene or see what’s going on. It can be sent as a first responder in case of a very big traffic jam,” he gives as an example.
Bernardes does not ignore Axon. will offer products to both the government of São Paulo and other states such as taser and Axon Air from next year. However, he points out that due to the transition period, there are no meetings with public officials at the moment because most states in the country will change governors from January.
“Because Axon is a technical firm, it is impartial. Therefore, we will participate in tenders if the specifications and the Tender Law allow. If we meet the conditions, we will participate,” he said.
Check below for organizations currently using Axon solutions in the country:
- Axon Body 3
São Paulo State Military Police (PMESP);
Rio Grande do Sul (Susepe) Prison Services Inspector;
Military Police of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (PM RN);
Naturgy (Rio de Janeiro’s private gas company).
- Tasers
PMESP — Taser X2 (8k units);
Federal Senate — Taser 7;
Espírito Santo Military Police (PMES) — Taser 7 (1,100);
Goiás Military Police – Taser X2 (800).
Balance in technology
HE IS Technology World He contacted the São Paulo Public Security Secretariat (SSP-SP) and requested an evaluation of the police officers’ body cameras. On a note, the business, after the implementation of body cameras Police fatality rate fell by 65.6% in units adopting body cameras.
“Police deaths on the line also fell from 14 to 4. In the four police training units using 60 battalions and 10.1 cameras, arrests during the action increased by 41% and seizures of weapons increased by 13%,” added the SSP-SP.
The folder also reported that it performed an operation. 7.1 million BRL investment per month with solution. In addition to equipment, the budget covers storage of videos in the cloud.
Finally, the secretariat quoted the FGV survey, which “proves increased police productivity in these units with greater police record in curbing violence against women, among other crimes.”
Source: Tec Mundo
