Monday Update: Sheriff's department to add video capability

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Franklin County Sheriff's Department hopes to put new equipment to use soon that will help them use video to solve crimes.
The equipment, called Star Witness Agent, is designed to reconstruct and enhance video for the purpose of getting a clear image of the suspect or to gain information that will lead to a suspect being arrested.
"This equipment can process digital video, multiplex video, and analog video," Deputy Michael Hill said.
He added that multiplex video is where you are filming several different areas with one tape.
Hill traveled to Chicago to learn how to use the equipment. He feels the equipment will help the department solve different crimes where video is involved.
"I am not sure how many times this will be used by the department, but we do have a good bit of cases involving video," Hill said.
The equipment was funded through a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.
"Part of the grant is that we make this equipment available to other departments so it's not just an asset for us, it an asset for other law enforcement agencies as well," Hill said.
Hill will also be training the department's investigators to use the equipment effectively.