BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Berkeley County is taking the use of surveillance video and images up to the next level.
This week Berkeley County Council approved the purchase of a new forensic video and computer imaging processing system to be used by the forensics unit at the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
The computer system is designed to take digital video or images and enhance it to help in an investigation.
“It can help with clarification. If you have images that are dark you can lighten it up and focus in on a certain area,” Lt. Dean Kokinda with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office said.
Lt. Kokinda is part of the forensics unit and helped secure the contract for the imaging system, called dTective. He says investigators previously had an outdated system used for analogue video.
According to Lt. Kokinda, the new system even has the ability to enhance audio, perhaps even enhance an image enough to possibly get information from potential evidence like a shoe print. He says nearby counties have used the same forensic imaging system with success.
“Video surveillance and video cameras have become extremely popular. You have them not only in businesses, but you have them at your house. With this system it will be another tool we can use with investigations. Whether it be a burglary, assault, or homicide, it will help the investigators hopefully, and lead to prosecute a case,” Lt. Kokinda said.
Council members present at the meeting Monday voted unanimously in support of the purchase of the new technology.
“It’s significant,” County Councilman and Chair of the Justice and Public Safety Committee Ken Gunn said. “This will help the sheriff’s office better manage their cases. It’s bringing software that exists in other counties and across the country to Berkeley County.”
Lt. Kokinda says the cost is a one-time payment of $14,805 and includes the equipment, installation, training for three employees, and a one-year support contract. He estimates maintenance costs to be in the $2,000-$3,000 a year range.
The county approved this purchase from Ocean Systems, without taking additional bids from other companies. Lt. Kokinda says it was a sole source purchase as there are no other manufacturers or companies that provide a forensic imaging system like this.
Lt. Kokinda says the sheriff’s office is awaiting the county to purchase the system, which will be installed at the forensic services building.
Lt. Kokinda hopes to begin training on the new system within a month.
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