Drivethrough Video
Documentation of a police search through a residential complex.
A video "drivethrough" is the best way to put the jury in the driver's seat. You are able to demonstrate the path taken by a vehicle and show the presence or absence of traffic control signs or devices.
Years ago we produced a drivethrough on 16mm motion picture to show a jury what it would be like to drive down a very winding road at 90 mph. It was a police chase case that resulted in the pursued striking our client head on while coming in the opposite direction. It took a week to prepare for the filming, including constructing a mount for the camera in a rented car, removing the hood ornament and replacing it with a tachograph device to show and record the speed. The car was driven at 45mph with the camera running at 1/2 speed. In playback at normal speed, this would simulate 90mph speeds. We also had the camera and speedometer calibrated and certified both before and after the runs, which were made during the day and at night.
On the day of trial, we spend 2 1/2 hours qualifying the presentation. As the court took a recess to set up the projector, the case settled and the film was never shown!
It was good to know that all our preparation and hard work paid off in creating an exhibit that the defendant knew could not be challenged. The court personnel were disappointed though...THEY WANTED TO SEE THE MOVIE!!
