Video Surveillance Camera use Across the Nation Inspired by Boston Bombing

The video surveillance cameras that helped authorities quickly nab the Boston bombing suspects has inspired a nationwide push for cities to increase their use of public video surveillance. Spencer Michels from NewsHour reports on video surveillance camera use in San Francisco.

How To Set Date/Time Stamp on LawMate Self-Contained Covert Cameras

Setting Date/Time Stamp on LawMate PV-LD12, PV-SK10, PV-TM10, and PV-SK10

Setting the date/time stamp on LawMate self-contained covert cameras is an issue for which we get many questions.

Most problems are usually one of the following:

1. Not having a space (or too many spaces) between the date and time in the txt file.

2. Having a space at the END of the time in the txt file.

3. Misspelling the name of the file (e.g. setime.txt vice settime.txt).

4. Not copying the file to the SD card correctly.

5. Not copying the file to the ROOT DIRECTORY of the SD card.

6. Because Windows hides file extensions of known file types, you will not see the ".txt" file extension when creating a Notepad txt file. This, if you add the .txt extension when the extension is hidden, Windows will actually see the file as "settime.txt.txt".  The Lawmate device will not recognize this file as a date/time file and it will not work.

 

Unhiding File Extensions of Known File Types in Windows

 

a. Open Windows Explorer (click Start-->Computer (or "My Computer").

b. Click Tools-->Folder Options, then click the 'View' tab.

c. Uncheck the "Hide extensions for known file types" box.

Setting Date and Time (for Windows Computers)

1. Create a new .txt (text) file using Notepad (download the file by right-clicking here and choosing "Save Link As" or "Save Target As"). To create a new file in Notepad, click Start-->Programs-->Accessories-->Notepad, or right-click on the Windows desktop and choose New-->Text Document.

2. Enter current date and time information as 2013.05.03 11:30:00. Note that a space must
be present in between date and time, and time needs to be in 24-hour format (military time).

3. Access the SD card by either using an SD card reader on your computer or by connecting the LawMate device to your PC using the included USB cable.

4. Save the file and name it "settime.txt" (no quotes) and save it to the root directory of the
memory card. The root directory is the first, or top-most directory (a.k.a. "folder") in the directory hierarchy.  In other words, if your SD card reader is K:\ drive, copy the file directly to K:\, not any directories (or folders) on the K:\ drive.

5. After the file is saved, remove the SD card from your computer (or unplug the USB cable if you're accessing the SD card via USB) and ensure it is inserted into the device's SD card slot correctly.

6. Power on the LawMate device.  The settime.exe file will be "absorbed" into the firmware of the device. Because of this, the settime.txt file should not be visible when the device is connected to computer the next time. If the file remains visible, the firmware didn't take it because of an error. Double check your date/time format, file name, etc.

View our complete line of LawMate Law Enforcement Products.

Surveillance Culture Lessons from Meteorites?

Interesting insight and awesome footage thanks to bad drivers, corrupt police, and corrupt insurance companies leading to Russia's 1 million+ dashboard cameras.

Are we becoming a surveillance culture?


Check out this 4 minute video compliments of The Idea Channel:

WTF: Second Grader Suspended for Chewing Pastry into Shape of a Gun

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

In this edition of WTF, we explore how far some are taking the enforcement of security measures in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy. Have we gone too far?

By now you may have heard about the 7 year old suspended from school for chewing his Pop Tart into the shape of a deadly weapon.  The tasty pastry was immediately confiscated and the child was promptly suspended for 2 days.

In an effort to ensure that no children were traumatized by the event, the school also sent a letter home to parents letting them know that a child "used food to make inappropriate gestures", and encouraged them to let their children "share their feelings" if they were troubled by the event. The letter also let them know that the school counselor would be available if necessary.

What I'm not sure about is if the children need counseling because of the assault weapon-shaped toaster pastry or because their friend was suspended from school.

Read Full Article >> Click Here

True IP Wireless WiFi Security Camera System - AC and Battery Power Options

True IP Routing Diagram

True IP WiFi Security Camera System - AC Powered and new Battery Options

Our new True IP hidden wireless IP camera systems are going over like gangbusters! People just love them.

I think it's not only the great features you'd expect from an IP camera system, but our awesome technical support team that works day-in and day-out getting these systems configured for our customers - for free!

We're getting rave reviews from customers who are using them for home surveillance, business surveillance, nanny cams, and granny cams. The bottom line is THEY JUST WORK.

 

Features in a Nutshell

• Integrate high-end video surveillance into your existing wireless network
• Long-range WiFi support
• Strong and stable digital wireless signal from camera IP module to your router
• Record directly to computer (on or off-network) in continuous and motion detection modes
• Live remote-view from computer or mobile device (compatible with iOS, Android, Blackberry, Symbian, Windows Mobile devices and more)
• AC powered and new True IP Battery Powered WiFi Security Cameras System options (on select models)

 

World-Class Technical Support

We know that integrating a new piece of equipment into your network can sometimes be a tedious and time-consuming task. Just one single setting not configured correctly can render the WiFi security camera system inoperable. Although we have a True IP Quick Start Guide, we also have experienced technicians standing by to help you out.

• Our technicians can log-in to your network and do the configuration for you
• We offer this service free of charge for the life of your product
• Rest easy knowing that we're ready to get you up and running immediately

Learn More >> True IP WiFi Security Camera System


Have a question or concern? Leave a comment below, email us at support@jlmmerchandise.com, or give us a call at 888-483-3377.

WTF: Mother Informed of Son's Death Through Facebook

Image: Daily Dot

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

In this episode of WTF, we discuss a weird situation that involves a worried mother, a dead son, Facebook, and highly unorthodox notification policies of a certain law enforcement agency.

After her son had disappeared without a trace, a Clayton County, Georgia woman discovered a message from the police asking her to contact them regarding her son's death - nearly a month later!

The message was sitting in the 'Other' folder (see photo to the left), a folder that many people don't even know exists (including me). Apparently, when people with whom you are not a direct "friend" send you a message, it goes into this folder.

My question is, what law enforcement agency's policy permits them to inform parents of their child's death via Facebook messaging?

I would write more, but I have to go through my "other" folder now.  I have 35 messages in it.

Read Full Article >> Mother Furious after Cops use Facebook to Inform her of her Son's Death

Fighting Crime in Chicago: There's an App for That

Citizens in Chicago can now send anonymous crime tips right from their smart phones via the new Crime Stoppers app. 

They can still call in tips, but now they can send photos, video, and text messages about any crime they see taking place - in real time. 

Not good news for criminals in Chicago. 


Learn More >> Crime Stoppers Debuts Cook County Crime-Fighting App