Digital audio recorder and belt case.

[Samurai004]

Our department of 135 officers does not have audio/video in the car. I am interested in buying my own digital audio recorder w/ pocket mic and w/ docking station. I will also need a case for the duty belt preferably plain leather, but definitely no basket weave. Any recommendations for recorders or duty belt cases?

Unfortunately, while on the shift I am on, it will be used for CYA purposes for the supervision probably more than the public. Not the best situation, I know.

I plan to download the audio every night to my PC and make the file name the date of the shift. I am thinking of putting the files on a dedicated hard drive just for the audio (just in case it gets taken for evidence) then I don't lose my whole PC. Shouldn't require a huge hard drive since I will just burn cd's occasionally to free up space. Any other suggestions for storage that might be better?

Thanks,
James

[rchoy]

James,
I bought a digital voice recorder with the intention of doing the same thing. The one I bought was reasonable in price and had the option of an expandable memory chip. In high quality mode with just the built in memory, I can't remember the exact number of hours, but its something like 80 hours,and with normal quality, you get double that. With a 256mb chip, you would be triple those figures. It also plays mp3s and has worked great for me, fitting in my shirt pocket. The only drawback to it, and the reason why I don't leave it to run recording during my whole shift is because it is powered by a single aaa battery. Although its supposed to be able to run for 8 hours, when recording, I'm usually only getting just over 2 hours. If you have any questions, you can email me at rchoy@juno.com

[michiganstud]

I did the same thing when I worked at the mall. Galls sells cases but only nylon. Quartermaster sells nice plain leather cases.

I would think about it long and hard. I alienated a few people by doing that, and some of the guys wouldn't joke around with me anymore because of it.

Nothing says "i don't trust you" quite like a tape recorder. If you are doing it to "catch" management wear it hidden in a pocket or on the tabs of your vest using the nylon case from Galls.

[darrell]

I did the same thing when I worked at the mall. Galls sells cases but only nylon. Quartermaster sells nice plain leather cases.

I would think about it long and hard. I alienated a few people by doing that, and some of the guys wouldn't joke around with me anymore because of it.

Nothing says "i don't trust you" quite like a tape recorder. If you are doing it to "catch" management wear it hidden in a pocket or on the tabs of your vest using the nylon case from Galls.

Alienated man I know that feeling. I wore a tape recorder when I worked at the mall and all joking and stuff stopped. But I did catch the mall manager in his threatening a a guard in a meeting, then later that night got him in shakign down a tennant for more money. Boy did he get the boot the next day.