Troopers receive recording devices

Indiana State Police Sgt. Cory Robinson (left), Trooper Mike Wood of the Putnamville Post accept the donation of nine micro recording devices from Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter Tuesday afternoon. (Courtesy photo)

PUTNAMVILLE -- Local law enforcement cooperation has resulted in the purchase of new technology to assist Indiana State Police officers in future investigations in Putnam County.

Tuesday afternoon at the Indiana State Police Post at Putnamville, Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter provided nine micro recording devices for troopers assigned to work in Putnam County.

The cameras were accepted on behalf of the Indiana State Police by Sgt. Cory Robinson and Trooper Mike Wood.

Close-up of one of the donated micro recording devices. (Courtesy photo)

Manufactured by AEE Technology Co., the devices are portable and designed for recording, monitoring and evidence collection.

The ultra-small micro recording devices, model PD 80, have dimensions of 55 x 20 x 20mm. Fully charged they can operate two hours, and each device can store up to16GB of memory.

According to Prosecutor Bookwalter, the devices cost just under $1,000 for all nine and were purchased with pretrial diversion funds.

"Our office purchased the devices in part, because advanced technology has offered the opportunity for citizens and police to be free from false accusations," Bookwalter said.

ISP Sgt. Cory Robinson, supervisor of troopers assigned to Putnam County, applauded the donation.

"These devices are great tools for not only assisting in the prosecution of cases," Sgt. Robinson said "but also to address or dismiss citizen complaints against our troopers."

The Indiana State Police does not currently provide micro recording devices for individual officers to wear, but the department is currently reviewing manufacturing data and cost for future purchasing potential. However, ISP does provide in-car cameras to patrol troopers.