LAPD Deploys In-Car Cameras to Help Build Public Trust

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced it will deploy Axon's Fleet 3 in-car camera systems into all vehicles across its fleet, a department spokesperson confirmed with Government Fleet. The video above provides details on how the Fleet 3 system will work in LAPD vehicles.

“As a leader in law enforcement, the LAPD strives to build and constantly improve public trust with the community we serve," LAPD Chief Information Officer Dep. Chief John McMahon said. "Public trust is an essential and fundamental component to successful and effective policing. We are excited to deploy Axon’s latest in-car cameras solution to complement the Axon Body 3 body cameras in use today. The LAPD prides itself in innovation and leveraging technology to uphold public confidence, while working to reduce the administrative burden on our officers."

Seamless Integration with Connected Technology

Axon’s Fleet 3 is the latest connected in-car camera system that integrates seamlessly with the Axon network via Cradlepoint. The LAPD already uses the Axon Body 3 cameras. The Cradlepoint and Axon systems seamlessly integrate for ease of use and manageability. Adding wireless connectivity to each vehicle unlocks the ability to wirelessly upload video data to the agency’s existing storage infrastructure.

Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager provides remote network and cellular connectivity management to LAPD, allowing them to control and administer the entire vehicle fleet easily, effectively, and efficiently.

"The advances Fleet 3 offers, with improved image quality, in-car and body-worn video synchronization, cloud storage in evidence.com and over-the-air uploading via our Cradlepoint routers, these advances will not only provide increased transparency for the public, but also improve the working conditions for our officers," McMahon said.

Axon’s Fleet 3 in-car camera system features the next-generation connected capabilities with state-of-the-art dual-view cameras to record clear panoramic views across three lanes of traffic. Fleet 3 also features a robust interior camera capturing a knee-to-head occupant view with enhanced night view capabilities. With pre-event buffering and multi-camera playback, agencies can ensure that critical footage is captured and reviewed.

“We are thrilled to see the LAPD implement Axon’s advanced technology solutions within their department as they continue to serve and protect their communities,” Axon CEO and founder Rick Smith said. “Fleet 3 is a game changer for in-car cameras and with seamless connection and integration into the rest of the Axon network, the LAPD will have better visibility into what’s happening in the field.”

The LAPD has long recognized the need for enhanced technology in its patrol vehicle fleet. The department selected the ruggedized Cradlepoint IBR1700 routers and MC400 modular modem to support current and future connectivity needs. These products combine to deliver two modems that provide the LAPD with a dual-carrier, redundant approach, utilizing both FirstNet and Verizon Wireless to ensure officers on the streets always have the connectivity they need.

“The LAPD is an example of a leading agency investing in modern tools to help their officers perform their duties in a safer, more effective way while increasing transparency for the community. Most of today’s tools require cloud-based connectivity for advanced decision-making capabilities and data handling,” Cradlepoint CEO George Mulhern said. “Cradlepoint is proud to provide fast and reliable 4G and 5G cellular connectivity that supports the Axon devices and applications helping front-line officers and the communities they serve.”

In 2021, LAPD renewed its body-worn camera and TASER device contract with Axon, becoming the largest energy weapon deployment in the U.S. to date.