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Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), founded in 1897 as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln, is situated in Harrogate within the Appalachian Mountain range, approximately 55 miles north of Knoxville, Tennessee. The campus, sprawling over 11 extended sites, and a 1,000-acre wooded landscape, features 43 academic, administrative, and residential buildings.
Since 2010, the LMU campus Police Department has grappled with outdated camera technology. Chief of Police and Security, David Honeycutt noted, "The old cameras produced a 'fisheye' effect, and in low-light conditions, the footage was simply unrecognizable."
Despite having an extensive stationary camera system that blankets the entire campus, with remote monitoring by a dedicated dispatch team, the system fell short of what they needed. Its limitations became apparent when trying to capture clear, discernible images and audio. This became especially obvious during crucial person-to-person interactions. However, Chief Honeycutt was determined to source a robust body camera system capable of delivering crisp audio and video, day and night.
After a meticulous evaluation during August 2022 of six different camera systems, many were found to lack the key features the Chief deemed essential. His search culminated in meetings with Reveal's Regional Sales Manager, Steve Venable, who proposed a trial run of their body cameras.
Chief Honeycutt wanted a fresh approach that would deliver value for money and a long-lasting solution that would keep pace with their growing needs. Reveal impressed his department significantly with their cost-effective solutions, additional features and all whilst staying within budget.
LMU initially deployed 12 Reveal D3 cameras, providing them to police officers for uninterrupted access, while security personnel utilized a shared system across different shifts.
The integration with Reveal's digital evidence management software DEMS 360 streamlined the management of the cameras through a user-friendly interface. This sophisticated system supports a variety of media types and enables automatic uploading of footage from the cameras, simplifying evidence handling.
During the initial installation phase, Lieutenant Napier observed that “[the cameras] have just been really user-friendly. While starting to use the new system, all the officers were able to use the body cameras, had no problems with their downloads and we haven’t had to retrain anyone.”
Reveal body cameras have notably impacted two critical aspects of campus security: officer accountability and public interaction. The mere presence of cameras has subtly yet significantly influenced behavior.
Lieutenant Napier highlighted an unexpected but useful body camera feature:
He said, “We can go back and monitor how the officer handled things and adjust our training procedures accordingly.”
Chief Honeycutt was particularly enthusiastic about the cameras' adaptable features, stating that the articulated camera head is incredibly versatile. “One of my favorite features is the moveable camera head. There’s just so much you can do with it: the different ways you can use it as a bodycam but also as an in-car camera system.”
He pointed out they are now planning to acquire car mounts to extend their body camera functionality.
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Chief Honeycutt, Deputy Chief Bailey, and Lieutenant Napier all readily endorse Reveal, stating, the team had been exceptional in facilitating their transition to body-worn cameras.
"It's been a very good purchase for us, and it works extremely well! – Chief Honeycutt, LMU Chief of Police and Security
The selection, and subsequent purchase, of Reveal body cameras by LMU's Police Department hinged on robust functionality, notably the articulated camera head, user-friendliness, and economical pricing. The department’s Police Officers said they liked the body cameras’ intuitive operation, which reduced the need for extensive retraining. An additional feature that was very well received was Reveal’s ‘stealth mode’, which has enhanced officer safety.
The LMU Police Department’s experiences with Reveal have consistently exceeded expectations. Chief Honeycutt explained, “I rate everything very highly with Reveal. Steve’s done an excellent job getting us on board with everything. Every interaction I’ve had has been excellent – it’s been above and beyond, and we can’t express how pleased we are with the cameras.”
With plans to increase the number of body-worn cameras at LMU already in the pipeline, he continued, “In fact, I’ve already recommended Reveal to three different agencies including the local Sheriff’s department.”
The integration of Reveal body cameras has marked a pivotal shift in the operations of the Lincoln Memorial University Police Department. This technological advancement has not only significantly enhanced evidence quality and strengthened accountability but also represents a cost-effective investment in the future of campus security.