Legality of a still from video evidence

[streaky]

A fundamental question arises from stever's original posting in NIP - PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE RECEIVED -HELP PLEASE that I have not seen answered anywhere.

What is the legality of a 'frame' extracted from video evidence?

The description provided by stever does not accord with any I have seen for images taken by fixed or mobile scameras, nor with any I have seen for 'chase' videos.

An authoritative comment would be appreciated (especially by stever).

Assuming this is legal, some other questions arise to which authoritative answers would be appreciated:

What procedures are laid down, and how is adherance to them checked, to ensure no transcription errors creep in when the date/time is superimposed on the 'frame'?

What requirements are there for calibrating the date/time of video recorders or the feed of this data to them?

Streaky

[tonyrec]

Whenever we have a video of an incident, we take stills of the information that we require (especially of drivers faces etc), and theres been no problem with administering them at Court.

[streaky]

tonyrec said:

Whenever we have a video of an incident, we take stills of the information that we require (especially of drivers faces etc), and theres been no problem with administering them at Court.

Thanks Tony. In this case the date/time is apparently 'printed' across the windscreen, negating any usefulness in identifying the driver - S

[smifffy]

Well, if they weren't admissable then I would have laughed when they sent me this.

But instead I grumbled and paid up:

[deltaf]

Note the crosshairs on your numberplate.... increases the distance with which they can target you due to reflection.

[smifffy]

Buggers.

58 in a 50 seemed a little over-zealous to me, but hey I would say that.

[tonyrec]

smifffy said:

Buggers. 58 in a 50 seemed a little over-zealous to me, but hey I would say that.

I would agree with you, its pretty poor really.

[hughesie2]

tonyrec said:

smifffy said: Buggers. 58 in a 50 seemed a little over-zealous to me, but hey I would say that. I would agree with you, its pretty poor really.

Well the small child superglued to the rear window did a good job of disguising who was driving

[Stever]

[quote=streaky]
The description provided by stever does not accord with any I have seen for images taken by fixed or mobile scameras, nor with any I have seen for 'chase' videos.

An authoritative comment would be appreciated (especially by stever).

Streaky, I am flying by the seat of my pants on this one, the only authoritative comment I will be able to make is when I win or not. I will of course, let you know what happens next and the final outcome. At present I have had no reply to my request for further photographic evidence.

Regards
Steve

[streaky]

Stever said:

[quote=streaky] The description provided by stever does not accord with any I have seen for images taken by fixed or mobile scameras, nor with any I have seen for 'chase' videos. An authoritative comment would be appreciated (especially by stever). Streaky, I am flying by the seat of my pants on this one, the only authoritative comment I will be able to make is when I win or not. I will of course, let you know what happens next and the final outcome. At present I have had no reply to my request for further photographic evidence. Regards Steve

I was actually referring to your description of the video still. Is there any chance you could post it on here, so everyone can see what we're talking about? - Streaky

[Stever]

Certainly would do Streaky, cept I haven't got a clue how to do it!

Any advice on how to get a paper image up here? Idiots guide please!

[streaky]

Stever said:

Certainly would do Streaky, cept I haven't got a clue how to do it! Any advice on how to get a paper image up here? Idiots guide please!

You need to scan or photograph the paper copy to produce a digital image (usually a JPG/JPEG, GIG, PNG, BMP file - depending on the setting of the scanner/camera). Then store the digital image on one of the websites that provide storage for users' photograps (Fotango is one used by many PHers - www.fotango.com), or another website to which you have write access. then post the link to that image in your reply. Hope this helps - Streaky

[Stever]

Well Streaky, after much trial and error I think I've done it(hosted the picture) Even managed to blot out the number plate :feelingquitesmugwithhimself:



Hope this helps, but it does demonstate the usefulness of the evidence(not)

Regards

[mattstead]

Tricky one this, Keep crying the innocent, but make it perfectly clear that you would love to help, if only they could supply you with the rest of the video clip to help identify "yourself".
The prosecution are obliged to make available all evidence that will help in the case (be it for the proscecution OR defence)...you may not get a copy of the footage, but they must make it available, i.e. watch it at your local nick.
Write to local NIP office, and local traffic department offering yourself, remember, "you too would like to settle this matter, speeding is a horrendous offence, and if it is you (which you surely can't believe), you would love to own up and see the full force of the law brought down upon you"....You want to help them, if only they would help you.

[Stever]

Cheers Matt

Think you're right, I've always maintained a polite tone to my correspondence with the NIP office so far and will continue to do so until/unless they get shirty.

I have asked for further photographic evidence and will wait till they respond to that before considering my options and your suggestions.

Thanks for your interest.

Regards

[streaky]

Well, "feelingquitesmugwithhimself" stever I now see what you mean (I had a vision of the details in the middle of the screen ... should have realised that the number-plate might take (roughly) centre-stage.

Press to see the rest of the video to assist in correct identification of the driver ... "a miscarriage of justice helps no-one!" I have heard it said that (1) the police are reluctant to show video evidence (ask to see the video from the point of the previous vehicle tracked and up to the point of the next vehicle tracked and to hear the soundtrack (if any)); and (2) that many videos are not kept as evidence.

Streaky

[Stever]

Thanks Streaky, that seems to be the concensus, so a showing of a video nasty is next!

As I said to Matt, I will wait for their reply first before persuing the private screening!

Your comments have been extremely gratefully received, now can you come up with a cure for Post Natel Depression please and life will be hunky dory?

Regards
Steve