Audio Visual Unit

During the 1970's, installation of closed circuit television cable network was undertaken to the achieved end that every police facility would have departmental cable reception. Today, video training can be broadcast eighteen times daily, Monday through Friday, to police receivers throughout the city, saturating every roll call around the clock with information ranging from current wanted persons to the latest first aid techniques. In 1991, we acquired the ability to receive satellite transmissions from the Law Enforcement Television Network, "LETN". The LETN training shows are currently being broadcast to every police facility equipped with departmental cable receivers.

The photographic mission of the Audio Visual Unit has expanded over time, with responsibilities now including the custody and supply of all departmental video or photographic equipment. All police department agencies using still photography or video tape are supplied and trained by members of the Audio Visual Unit.

All roll call training is produced in-house by the Audio Visual Unit. Subjects of productions have included drunk driving, crime scene behavior, testifying in court, vehicle safety and numerous other special projects. The services of the Audio Visual Unit has also assisted numerous outside agencies.

The Audio Visual Unit also supports the Detective Bureau and the Civil Affairs Unit on assignments, including public protests and disturbances, that necessitate the presence of sworn photographic video specialists.

Since 1989, the Audio Visual Unit has the ability to produce a Sony Graphic print from a time-lapse player, VHS tape or a video camera; the preferred surveillance schemes used in banks and retail establishments. In 1998, the Audio Visual Unit upgraded the print capabilities to include S-VHS and High 8mm tape. In 1998, the unit instituted the use of a multiplexer with the capability to zoom and pan from a video format. In year 2000, the unit again upgraded it's video equipment to support the DV-Cam format.

Currently, the Audio Visual Unit has the capability to edit 3/4", S-VHS, and Nonlinear editing. The Audio Visual Unit also has a dark room where black-and-while photography is processed and printed.

As of June 2000, the Audio Visual Unit acquired the capability to capture, process and print digital still photography. The unit is currently (November 2000) developing an Audio Forensic program that will add yet another level of service to the agency.

The distribution of information via video tape and still photography has proven to be both timely and effective. Therefore, as the Philadelphia Police Department moves forward, the mission of the Audio Visual Unit will broaden in scope and the unit's personnel will continue to modernize and stay abreast of technological advances to stay on the cutting edge.

(Rev. 11.29.2000)