Hikvision 6MP Security Camera Provides Evidence in Murder Conviction
Two Hikvision 6MP Network Bullet security cameras delivered high resolution video surveillance footage of a shooting incident at a busy downtown Baltimore intersection, leading to a murder conviction in a recent trial.
HikWire sat down with Andy Johannsen, Northeast sales director for Hikvision USA Inc., to discuss the case and how Hikvision technology helped to convict a criminal.
Hikwire: What stands out most about this case?
Andy Johannsen: Even though there were probably 100 people on the street at the time of the shooting, the video was the only witness, called a “silent witness.” This was the first of its kind, a first degree murder conviction in the State of Maryland solely based on silent witness testimony.
Hikwire: What was your role in the trial?
Andy Johannsen: I testified about the technology, the validity of the video evidence, and the chain of custody. Once I exported the video, I testified that it was the true video from the actual cameras on the street and had not been tampered with.
Hikwire: Why do Hikvision cameras work well in these types of situations?
Andy Johannsen: In this specific situation, the ability to digitally zoom on playback in court was critical and would not have been possible with even a typical 1080p resolution camera. Without clear zoomed playback, the shooting would not have been visible.
Hikwire: What was the response to Hikvision’s video quality?
Andy Johannsen: I remember being in the court when they showed the video that police had captured at 1080p. I asked “Why don’t we zoom in on it?” They didn’t realize we could zoom in and they could not believe how clear the images were for identification of the suspects.
Hikwire: Was facial recognition critical for this case?
Andy Johannsen: Yes, the video and snapshots were used in court to positively identify the suspects. Baltimore police were able to ID the suspects early on because they were known offenders. Police were then able to notify the media and eventually make arrests.