LEVA CONFERENCE/Government Video Expo - WOW!
 

I had the priviledge of attending this year's LEVA (Law Enforcement and Emergency Videographer's Association)Conference/Government Video Expo in Washington, DC, and boy, was it fabulous.

Firstly, I finally met the man responsible for DV INFO, Chris Hurd, and let me tell ya, he's a delighful, very approachable, salt-of-the-earth-type chap (and much taller than Rick Bravo and me). No wonder this board is so successful. I thanked him then and I thank him again now for all of his hard work in maintaining this site. It has been invaluable to me personally.

My second thrill was attending the Vegas 5 seminar taught by "Mr. Vegas" himself, Douglas ("Call me Spot") Spotted Eagle. Holy s**t! In 90 minutes time he showed us just a small sampling of what Vegas 5 can do and I was sufficiently blown away. I kinda thought I was hot stuff with Vegas until he demonstrated the software. In one word: Humbling. He made using Vegas 5 look easy and effortless. I'm not dissing FCP or the MC platform, but I'm here to tell ya, I won't be selling my PC platform soon. I thank heaven every day I bought the Vegas software during their inexpensive upgrade window.

My third thrill was wandering around the Expo floor and handling the Panasonics, Sonys, and Canons. Oh, and yes, I checked out the new Sony HDV camera. This wasn't the FX-1 consumer model. The Sony rep told me this model, currently named the "HDV", is not prosumer either. He called it their "professional" model with a January or February, 2005 release and a retail cost of around $7,000.00 dollars U.S. The picture was stunning. I've already made my decision to forego the DSR PD-170 (which was also sweet as hell) and buy the new Sony HDV.

And last but not least, a hearty thanks to all of the law enforcement videographer types from all over Canada and the U.S. who I had befriended and swapped video war stories with at the LEVA conference. Any video cops can join at www.LEVA.org.

Oh, and by the way, the bartenders at Coyote Ugly DO dance on the bar!

And how dose one get to be a video cop?

Hugh, it was great to meet you there -- and Rick (finally) -- and everybody else. Sadly I didn't get any face time with Spot this time around though.

They do dance on the bar at Coyote Ugly...and very well at that!!! (By the way Hugh, how much do you think the picture I have of you at Coyote is worth!?)

Had a great time at LEVA/GVEXPO. Great info, great gear and greater friends!

Chris, great meeting you finally. As I expressed to you at the Canon booth, you do a phenomenal job with this site and I spread the word to whomever will listen. Keep it up.

Talk to you all soon.

RB

To Mr. Rosen and Bravo
 

Mr. Rosen:

I am a police detective attempting to start a video serices unit in my organization. Other departments have different setups as some places hire civilians as video personnel while other departments just use coppers. You might want to call your local PD and inquire. Rick Bravo can probably tell you better.

As for your extortion threat, Mr. Bravo, you must be referring to that picture where I stared up longingly at the bartender as she shook her body part dangerously close to my face. Well, my friend, all that I can say is your prior photos of me in precarious situations have done more good than harm to wit: They have created an "Austin Powers" type mystique about me at the office. I am more popular now than ever!

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the GV Expo/LEVA Conference, and meeting the esteemed Hugh DiMauro and Chris Hurd. It was really fun to watch Hugh change hairstyles to match the moment!

Rick, it was nice that your presentation really validated what I've tried to do here with our unit and how we handle large events and crisis situations.

Aaron, you get to be a "video cop" by either working your way up through the department as an officer wanting to make video, be hired as a civilian specialist doing training and public information, or forensic lab work, or getting to know your chief, sheriff or local agencies public information officer and donating time, resources and effort to show them the worth or having a video unit. Many agencies don't see the value until you show them a polished product making their agency look good and providing a positive image. It isn't easy, or immediate, but the reward can be outstanding. Ask Rick Bravo how he did it, and you'll understand what extrodinary things can happen.

Chris, thanks for all your work on this web site, and it was truly a pleasure to put a face and name together. I appreciate the time you took to talk with us, and if your ever back up our way please stop by Topeka and I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

I can't wait to see the "proofs" from Coyote Ugly!

Will

Will Downing
Media Director, Kansas Highway Patrol

Congrats to KHP!
 

Will, congratulations on your wins at this year's Shield Awards.

RB

Thanks, you didn't do so badly yourself.

Will

Oh That's Right!
 

Congrats to Will and Ricky-Poo. Their videos were great. I will try my damndest to get an entry in for next year!

Thanks Guys.

I appreciate your help.

The local Dept. I worked as a Cadet for had their own civilian Video dept. to process crime scenes and the in car footage for court.

Goal #1 is get hired as an Officer. From there the video would be a nice assignment.