LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff's Office is outfitting its vehicles with new equipment.

On Oct. 14, the department received delivery of 16 “Watchguard” brand Mobile Audio Video (MAV) systems.

MAV systems are equipment designed to be installed in patrol vehicles that enhance law enforcement’s ability to memorialize events during their investigations.

“This type of technology has served law enforcement’s mission to secure the public’s trust by providing officers and deputies with a tool that is capable of capturing evidence that is often times indisputable,” said Sheriff Rod Mitchell. “The ability to capture such compelling and valuable evidence enables investigators to ensure that criminals are brought to justice, and to ensure that citizen’s rights are protected.”

The system consists of an in-car video camera, in-car microphone system, a remote microphone transmitter, and a data recording device.

The system allows a deputy to record statements and video from events during their investigations. This information is easily saved to a DVD that can be used for subsequent review in investigations and court proceedings.

Earlier versions of the MAV came equipped with VHS format recordings. Over the years, advances in technology have produced the ability for this equipment to evolve from the VHS format to the DVD format. The DVD format allows for clearer recordings, faster copying, the ability to store larger amounts of material in smaller spaces, and easier handling.

Deputies who use this technology find it a valuable tool because it provides an impartial accounting of events. Information gathered through the use of MAV’s has proven useful in securing court convictions, exonerating people who might otherwise be suspected of wrongdoing, and providing training opportunities.

Many court cases have been decided without the necessity of a lengthy and costly trial because of footage captured by MAV equipment, the agency reported.

The sheriff’s office has nearly all of the currently deployed patrol vehicles equipped with similar systems.

Seven patrol vehicles that were purchased last year will be equipped with the new MAV systems, and 9 vehicles purchased this year will also be equipped. The addition of these MAV systems will equip every patrol unit in our fleet with the technology.

The equipment was purchased using money provided by Assembly Bill 443 monies. Assembly Bill 443 is commonly known as the Rural Sheriff’s Fund. This fund provides approximately $450,000 to rural sheriff’s departments, such as Lake County’s. The total cost of the purchase of this equipment was $85,608. Equipping all of the patrol vehicles with MAV units has been a multi-year process.

Sheriff’s office records indicate that the first 2 LCSO VHS MAV units were purchased in 2000.

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