Samsung’s Donation of Galaxy Z Flip Phones to Police for Bodycam Footage

Samsung’s advertisements for the Z Flip phones often highlight their impressive selfie capabilities and also take a playful jab at Apple’s lack of a folding phone. However, the brand is now also positioning their flip phones as a suitable alternative for police body cameras.

Samsung revealed details about a pilot program that lasted two years on Tuesday. As a component of this initiative, the Kimberling City Police and Indian Point Police in Missouri received Galaxy Z Flip series phones to utilize as body cameras for their officers.

According to a blog post on Samsung’s website, the program has been deemed successful and is now being expanded to 25 metro police departments in five states.

Cop wearing Galaxy Z Flip as a bodycam — Samsung

The Z Flip phones utilized by law enforcement differ from the ones that you may possess. Samsung collaborated with Visual Labs, a reputable provider of body camera solutions, to tailor the phones specifically for use in law enforcement settings.

The phones were programmed to enable immediate recording by simply pressing the volume button in emergency situations. If a dashcam is connected, recordings will also automatically begin during chases or when a vehicle’s emergency lights are activated. The resulting video footage is promptly uploaded to the cloud through the use of Visual Labs software.

According to Samsung, the compact and foldable design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series makes it highly effective as a body camera, as it can easily be attached to police uniforms and outer carriers.

The camera’s superior quality guarantees a precise and thorough video recording, while its sturdy build makes it suitable for challenging environments.

It is unlikely that flip phones will replace bodycams or serve as a viable alternative. This is because bodycams require constant recording, which would result in frequent charging for a phone. Additionally, if a police officer were to tackle someone and land on the device, it could potentially cause damage.