A new blog post from Samsung sheds light on how its Galaxy Z Flip series devices are being integrated into law enforcement operations. These foldable mobile devices were first introduced two years ago in a pilot program with the Kimberling City Police and Indian Point Police in Missouri aimed at assessing the potential improvements in daily police functions through advanced electronics. Samsung reported that this program marked the first instance of foldable devices being utilized by police officers as bodycams. Following the successful pilot, two additional police departments have adopted the Flip devices as bodycams, and the pilot solutions are now being expanded to 25 metropolitan police departments across five states.
The Flip devices used during the police pilot programs were specially modified in collaboration with Visual Labs, a firm specializing in repurposing mobile devices for body and dash camera applications. Modifications such as remapping the volume button to activate the camera were implemented to streamline and expedite the recording process in the field, explained Samsung.
This initiative is a notable example of Samsung exploring a unique use case for its US audience. The Verge noted this blog post and referenced an investigation by ProPublica and The New York Times highlighting how local policy decisions can undermine the effectiveness of bodycams, often delaying or blocking the release of footage.
However, Samsung is not the only technology company engaged in providing products to law enforcement. Amazon-owned smart doorbell maker Ring has adjusted (and reversed) its policies on sharing footage with law enforcement. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions regarding how police departments are leveraging technologies such as facial recognition and drones.
