Call_0004-_SOO_D-_Activation_of_Body-Worn_Cameras_without_Responder_Manipulation.pdf

Activation of Body-Worn Cameras without Responder Manipulation Statement of Objectives BAA 13-012/Call 0004/ SOO D

October 13, 2015 Science and Technology Directorate Department of Homeland Security

DISTRIBUTION NOTICE: Further dissemination only as directed by DHS Office of Policy DESTRUCTION NOTICE: Destroy by any method that will prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document.

Activation of Body-Worn Cameras without Responder Manipulation Statement of Objectives

September 14, 2015 i

Table of Contents

1.0 Purpose

2.0 Scope (Capability Gap)

3.0 Period and Place of Performance

4.0 Background

5.0 Functional Requirements

5.1 Overall Concept of Operations

5.2 Threat

5.3 Operating Constraints (Current Technology Shortfalls)

5.4 Specific Required Capabilities

5.4.1 Operation

5.4.2 Functionality

5.4.3 System Characteristics

5.4.4 Additional Capabilities

5.5 System Performance

5.5.1 Mission Scenarios

5.5.2 Compatibility and Interoperability

5.5.3 Human Interface Requirements

5.5.4 Logistics and Readiness

5.5.5 Durability

5.6 System Support

5.6.1 Maintenance

5.6.2 Capabilities and Limitations

5.6.3 Supply

5.7 Training

5.8 Storage

5.9 System Affordability

5.10 Certification Requirements for Product Conformity

1.0 Purpose

The current change in the climate of emergency response is dictating that first responders wear body-worn cameras for both accountability and as documentary evidence. There are currently two

(2) types of body-worn cameras: cameras that constantly stay on, and cameras that require user activation. The purpose of this award is to find a solution that will activate body-worn cameras when needed without the wearer’s manipulation, and to ensure all events are recorded to improve accurate documentation with minimum user interaction. There is a significant need to promote safety, improve transparency, promote accountability, and provide increased situational awareness, for all first responders.

2.0 Scope (Capability Gap)

The scope of this document encompasses the development of a passive body-worn camera device which automatically activates when pre-defined triggers are stimulated. This solution must operate under extreme weather conditions encountered by first responders during routine job performance or under emergency conditions. This technology indents to modify existing commercially available body-worn cameras.

3.0 Period and Place of Performance

The period of performance for the contract shall be between 12-18 months, and shall not exceed the latter. All developmental activities will be performed at the contractor-designated site(s). DHS may require the contractor to perform critical design reviews and/or product presentations at DHS-specified locations.

4.0 Background

Recent events have emphasized the value that can be provided by body-worn cameras, especially in situations where the first responder’s safety, or the safety of others, is in jeopardy. However, first responders often do not have time or forethought to set their body-worn camera to start recording during rapidly emerging situations. To ensure that an event is fully recorded, the beginning of the recording will buffer one minute or longer to capture audio and video of the event. As political climates dictate the use of cameras for accountability and safety, a solution must be developed to lighten the burden already imposed upon first responders when quickly responding to an incident.

5.0 Functional Requirements

5.1 Overall Concept of Operations

The concept of operations will ensure that all critical events are recorded to play back at a later date.

This new technology will use a predefined suite of triggers to start recording on existing body-worn cameras. Possible triggers include physiological, voice and audio, and/or geo-fenced data. In order for this solution to be successful, it must promote consistent activation of body-worn cameras and take into account local agency policies.

5.2 Threat

Recent events have highlighted the importance of body-worn camera for use by today’s first responders. Currently cameras require the responder to manually activate prior to recording, but due to distraction or other causes responders may not have the available time to react and activate their camera. Without this technology, critical events may not be recorded due to failure to manually activate the device. Implementation of this technology eliminates or drastically reduces the potential for an event to go unrecorded.

5.3 Operating Constraints (Current Technology Shortfalls)

While the current environment is rapidly becoming saturated with body-worn cameras, none of the available systems can be activated passively. To meet this requirement, a new solution is required to help promote an alternate means to activating the camera, while also providing easy integration into many existing systems.

5.4 Specific Required Capabilities

5.4.1 Operation

This passive solution will activate a body-worn camera without the need for user manipulation.

By utilizing a suite of pre-identified triggers, the camera can remotely be activated by a third party (i.e. dispatcher, supervisor, or incident commander) without user intervention.

5.4.2 Functionality

The technology required to passively activate a body-worn camera without user manipulations must meet the following minimum requirements:

• The solution will weigh four (4) ounces or less (including power supply);

• The solution must be compatible with existing camera devices and their various mounting configurations:

• Existing “camera on” notification will be provided when the camera is remotely activated;

• Low battery indication alert will be provided;

• The ability to manually deactivate the camera shall be provided;

• Will provide for deactivation or stealth mode (if available); and

• Will include related on body sensors that trigger camera activation, if required.

5.4.3 System Characteristics

The proposed system shall have the following characteristics:

• Ability to manually turn-off notifications;

• Self-calibration and verification upon powering on or every 24 hours (whichever is later) that does not interfere with the operational use;

• Conforms to or exceeds the durability and ruggedness of current body-worn cameras;

• Intrinsically safe;

• If separate batteries are required in the final design, rechargeable and/or commercial off the shelf batteries will be used;

• This solution shall not void the warranty of body-worn cameras; and

• Does not emit signals that would interfere with current first responder technology.

5.4.4 Additional Capabilities

Ideally, this device will automatically activate the car video camera for enhanced situational awareness.

5.5 System Performance

5.5.1 Mission Scenarios

In the event that a first responder forgets to active their body-worn camera, the technology to passively activate a body-worn camera will affect the following mission scenarios: Evidentiary proof as to sequences of events in stressful environments, which will provide valuable objective data to the event:

• Clarity on what actually happened in an emerging environment in the correct sequence of events;

• Record what is seen and heard;

• Record the actual verbal and physical activity of the participants;

• Record events for training purposes in order to improve tactics, techniques, and procedures

(TTPs);

• Provide a basis for internal case review or legal proceedings regarding a case; and

• Provide a source of material for agency training and employee evaluation.

5.5.2 Compatibility and Interoperability

Any technology developed as a result of this document shall meet all established jurisdictional standards and pass all established certifications which govern a device of this nature to ensure the safety of first responders. The system shall not interfere with radio or cell phone operations for its deployment and operation. The system shall be compatible with existing body-worn cameras, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and devices that transmit signals or data, such as portable radios and wireless recording and video devices. Standards to be considered include scientific standards relating to collection and testing methodologies such as American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Organization for Standardization (IOS), American Society for Testing and Materials Institute (ASTM), and safety standards such as those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), etc.

5.5.3 Human Interface Requirements

The target users for the technology are first responders who currently use or have been mandated to use body-worn cameras, which are primarily law enforcement officers. The solution will be a portable and lightweight device that remotely activates body-worn cameras, and can be easily used in any environment.

5.5.4 Logistics and Readiness

The system must be operable on a continual basis for the same amount of time that a body-worn camera is active. Self-check and or calibrations shall not interfere with its performance or operation. The system must be easily stored and have the same storage requirements as a body-worn camera. Weather should not influence the system’s performance or reliability.

5.5.5 Durability

This solution shall meet the same durability requirements as the body-worn camera. Additionally, this solution must be able to operate in a variety of weather conditions without risk to functionality.

These conditions are:

• Extreme heat (i.e. air temperatures up to 120°F);

• Extreme cold (i.e. air temperatures as low as -40°F);

• Humidity ranges from 5%-100%; and

• Steady rain and snow conditions.

5.6 System Support

5.6.1 Maintenance

All maintenance for the item(s) and related equipment shall be defined by the contractor, including: the required maintenance schedule, identification of the specific system components, type of maintenance required, and whether the equipment can be repaired in the field or must be sent back to the manufacturer.

5.6.2 Capabilities and Limitations

As with any equipment, the capabilities and limitations of the equipment are required to be clear to all users. This should include any special cleaning procedures or storage conditions which are required to preserve the protective properties of the equipment. Wear, maintenance, and care must be compatible with other first responder equipment currently in use.

5.6.3 Supply

Supply shall be determined by the individual departments based upon cost, quantity needed, and effectiveness of the solution.

5.7 Training

Training information shall be provided on any specialized equipment, and will include instructions on use, proper storage, cleaning, deployment, and maintaining the basic ensemble. Any specialty requirements of personnel conducting maintenance, storage, extraction, or delivery will be identified including certification requirements. Training materials shall be available initially in hard copy, and subsequently in soft copy format.

5.8 Storage

The manufacturer shall identify all storage requirements for the equipment developed under this statement of objectives.

5.9 System Affordability

The DHS S&T First Responder Resource Group, a national subject matter expert body that has representation from all major responder disciplines, recommends that the unit cost for this technology should ideally be no greater than existing emergency responder camera technology.

5.10 Certification Requirements for Product Conformity

The technology to passively activate a body-worn camera shall meet all National Institutes of Justice (NIJ), NFPA, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards for electronic transmittal devices. The Government may identify additional standards at contract award.