Bodycam & dashcam gear
Recording gear and know-your-rights reading for people who want their own record of an encounter. We list what to look for in each category, then link to search results so you can compare current options and prices yourself.
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Dashcams
4 searchesContinuous recording of the road ahead, and often behind and inside the car. Useful if you're ever stopped, in a crash or a witness to something.
What to look for
- Front and rear (two-channel) coverage, or a cabin camera if you drive for work
- Clear night recording, since many stops happen after dark
- Loop recording and a parking or impact mode
- GPS and speed stamps, which you can usually switch off
- Easy export from the app or card to keep a copy
Personal bodycams & chest-mount cameras
4 searchesWearable cameras for walking, cycling, security work or anyone who wants a hands-free record. A chest mount keeps the view close to what you actually see.
What to look for
- Battery life that covers your whole shift or outing
- A sturdy clip or harness that won't flip the lens down
- Built-in audio, and a clear indicator when it's recording
- Timestamping and simple file export
- Check your state's audio-recording consent rules first
Phone tripods & mounts for recording
4 searchesYour phone is the camera you'll have on you. A stable mount gives you steadier, more usable footage and keeps your hands free and visible.
What to look for
- A car mount that holds the phone in landscape without blocking your view
- A compact tripod with a Bluetooth remote
- A grip or gimbal for walking shots
- A spare power bank, because long recordings drain batteries fast
Know-your-rights & civil-liberties books
4 searchesBackground reading on searches, stops, recording, public records and how the courts have drawn the lines. Pair it with our free quick reference.
What to look for
- Recent editions, since the law changes
- Books by attorneys, law professors or civil-liberties organizations
- Plain-English guides alongside deeper constitutional law
- Remember that books are general information, not legal advice
SD cards
3 searchesThe cheapest part of the setup and the one most likely to fail. Constant recording wears cards out, so buy the right type and replace it now and then.
What to look for
- "High endurance" cards built for dashcams and security cameras
- The capacity and speed class your camera's manual recommends
- A spare card, so you can hand one over and keep recording
- A card reader to back up important clips the same day
Record lawfully. Rules on recording audio, and on recording in private places, vary by state. Keep a safe distance, don't interfere, and follow lawful orders. See Know your rights: recording police. Nothing here is legal advice.
Help fund the next records request
Agencies often charge fees to copy, review or redact bodycam footage before releasing it. Support from viewers helps cover those public-records (FOIA) costs, so we can request more footage and publish it in full.