October 17, 2002
Martel Electronics
23221 E. La Palma Ave.
Yorba Linda, CA 92887

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is in regards to your Dash Hound Video Systems. My department purchased 2 of these systems in May of this year and have been thoroughly impressed. We have been utilizing these 2 systems between 4 different patrol cars and have found these video units are by far the simplest units to install as well as operate.

During the past 6 months of use with these cameras our officers have been able to dramatically improve in their traffic stop tactics. We have begun implementing extensive training with our officers utilizing the videos of actual traffic stops and we are beginning to see officer’s become more efficient and safe in how they do their duties. Knowing that he is also being watched has improved how our officers perform their duties and allows supervisors the chance to review how an officers is conducting himself during "routine" traffic stops.

These cameras allow the officer to be critiqued by supervisory personnel to spot unsafe tactics and also help improve verbal conduct and command presence while the officer is conducting a traffic stop. These cameras have also helped reduce the number of DUI and other traffic related arrest cases from going to court. We discovered that when a defense attorney discovers a video is available demonstrating the offender’s conduct during the arrest, a plea is arranged to prevent the defendant from the further embarrassment of being "watched" in the courtroom. This in turn has reduced the number of overtime hours generated by court appearances by our officers. This in itself is showing how the cameras are paying for themselves.

I am currently looking for possible funding sources to outfit all of our existing patrol cars with the Dash Hound Video System (Model DH1) and encourage all agencies to do the same.

Sincerely,

Matt Byers #2
Assistant Chief of Police Meeker Police Department
Meeker, Oklahoma