By Martel Electronics · Published November 13, 2026
A body camera records from the place where it is attached. It does not automatically follow the officer’s eyes or reproduce everything the officer can see. A comfortable mount can still point too low, be covered by a jacket, or turn when the wearer sits down.
Start with the approved recording purpose. Use an authorized training exercise to check the view of a person at ordinary conversational distance, the approach to a doorway and a seated interaction. Review the downloaded video rather than judging aim only from the camera’s position on the uniform.
| Placement to evaluate | Possible practical benefit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Vest or central chest | A consistent position on a suitable uniform or carrier | Lens angle, flexing fabric, straps, microphone obstruction and seat belt contact |
| Uniform clip position | Attachment to an appropriate clothing point | Fabric strength, camera rotation, stability and whether the clip stays closed |
| Shoulder or epaulette | An alternative position where the uniform supports it | Side-to-side framing differences, collar coverage and interaction with radio equipment |
| Magnetic attachment | Another option where the supplied mount and uniform are suitable | Compatibility, retention, movement and relevant equipment or medical-device instructions |
The current Crime Cam product page lists mounting clips, a shoulder epaulet mount and a magnetic mount among the package contents. It also describes rotating clip hardware. Confirm the exact supplied accessories for your order and inspect the attachment instructions before use.
The presence of a mount does not prove it is suitable for every carrier, fabric or assignment. Do not modify armor, drill equipment or alter a retention system to make a camera fit without the responsible manufacturer’s and agency’s approval. If a magnetic mount is being considered, follow the applicable mount, equipment and medical-device guidance.
Use the actual shirt, outer carrier or vest and normal duty equipment. Attach the camera securely, check access to its controls and make a short baseline recording. Repeat with seasonal outerwear. A summer placement may not work when a winter jacket is added.
Under safe training conditions, ask the wearer to stand, sit in a stationary vehicle, buckle the seat belt, turn, bend and walk through an ordinary doorway. Stop if the mount interferes with equipment or movement. Review the video for changes in angle and listen for repeated rubbing or impact sounds.
Test different wearers where body size or uniform fit changes the position. Record the accepted attachment point and camera orientation so the result can be reproduced. The fitting session should establish an approved configuration, not encourage improvised changes during an assignment.
| Record | Example of what to document |
|---|---|
| Wearer and uniform | Training identifier, garment or carrier, seasonal layer |
| Mount | Supplied mount type and attachment point |
| Aim | Reference position that produced an acceptable saved view |
| Movement | Seated, walking, bending and doorway observations |
| Audio | Fabric contact, equipment contact and speech clarity |
| Decision | Approved configuration, corrective change or another trial needed |
Keep the original training recordings with the fitting notes under your department’s test-data procedure. Add a brief visual attachment check to the issue routine, and repeat the fitting review when the uniform or hardware changes. For broader camera acceptance, use Martel’s body-camera test guide.
Use the position approved by the agency after testing the actual uniform, mount and assignment. Chest, vest and shoulder arrangements can produce different views and different obstructions.
No. Evaluate the recorded result, secure attachment, control access and compatibility with other equipment. A preferred location for one uniform may not suit another.
It records its own field of view. Head movement, body direction, obstruction and camera placement can make that view differ from the officer’s view.
The current product listing includes mounting clips, a shoulder epaulet mount and a magnetic mount. Confirm the exact accessories and instructions supplied with the current order.
Yes. Jackets, collars, straps and loose fabric can cover the lens or microphone area or change the camera’s angle. Include seasonal clothing in the fitting exercise.
Yes. A stationary-vehicle check can reveal changes caused by posture, seat belts or equipment contact that are not obvious while standing.
Yes. Fabric rubbing, impacts and an obstructed microphone opening can affect the recording. Listen to the downloaded file during the same fitting test.
Do not assume universal compatibility. Follow the carrier and mount instructions and the agency’s equipment requirements; do not alter protective equipment without appropriate approval.
Record a known training scene before and after the movement sequence. Compare the saved framing and note any rotation, looseness or obstruction.
Repeat it after changes to uniform, outerwear, mount or camera hardware, and when routine checks reveal shifting or obstruction.
Equipment details and source pages checked November 13, 2026. Confirm the current supplied configuration and written quote before purchasing.
The best mounting position is one your department has tested on the actual uniform and assignment. Check the saved view and sound while standing, seated and moving before approving a body-camera mount.
