The National Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology Center, which sometimes analyzes our videotapes, recommends the following as the best method for collecting videotape evidence from security surveillance cameras, which you may need to do while taking crime reports.

First, it is important to take the time to be sure that you know how to stop and eject the tape without accidentally restarting the recording. Stop the recorder, but do not eject the tape. Note the time shown on recorder while simultaneously getting the time from communications.

Note any discrepancies.

Next, note the position counter on the recorder. Rewind the tape and note the position of the counter again. Knowing the difference between the position of the counter number prior to and after rewinding will facilitate the repositioning and analysis of the tape later. Now carefully eject the tape.

Write down the recorder information, i.e., manufacturer, model, time-lapse mode and any other setting the recorder was in. Most tapes have a "write protect" tab. Break this off so the tape cannot be inadvertently taped over.

Play the tape as little as possible. Tapes are often old, and replaying degrades them, especially pausing and slow motion viewing. To preserve the original for professional analysis, have it copied, and only play the copy. When viewing the copy, include in your report the time that appears on the tape when the crime occurs, even if incorrect, as this will also facilitate future repositioning and analysis of the tape.

Document the location of the cameras and their views. Size measurements (height, width, depth) of reference objects in the scene should be measured to help determine other physical dimensions, such as the suspect's height, etc. Don't forget to look for other potential sources of video which may have additional footage of the crime, such as an A TM or convenience store down the street whose surveillance equipment may have captured the suspect's vehicle leaving the scene.

Lastly, do not store tapes where they can be damaged by magnetic fields from such things as electric motors, solenoids, and magnetic metal detectors. Also take care not to let tapes overheat by leaving them near a heat source or in the car in sunlight.