New Video Enhancement Tool to Solve Crime

Thanks to a local fundraiser called the Bad Boy Blast, which benefits local law enforcement, the Midland County Sheriff's Office is getting a new tool to enhance the way they fight crime.

For the last four years, the Midland County Sheriff's Office has been trying to get video enhancement software. Only problem, they didn't have the money, but that's all changed now. The Department is getting ready to launch this new tool that will expose any crooks disguise.

"It does the same thing that you see on CSI or any of those shows," explains Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter. 

It's technology developed by NASA, only now it's available for law enforcement.

"As far as conducting an investigation, I think it is a necessity.  It's a tool.  It is, in my opinion a necessary tool," says Sheriff Painter.

In most cases, convenience store surveillance footage can be blurry. So, investigators are faced with the impossible task of trying to identify the suspects. Now, with this new software identifying becomes a lot more possible.

"We'll go take that footage download it into the computer and through the use of the software, we'll be able to drag up and focus on certain things that are in the picture that we couldn't do before," says Painter.

Take any personal mark, like a mole a tattoo or even a piece of jewelry.  This new surveillance equipment focuses on the personal marking, enhance it and identify it. This year alone a convenience store in Midland County has been robbed 6 times, the video they have is unclear making it difficult to track down whoever is responsible.

"We're going to use this tool we already have from that establishment and get some clear pictures of the suspects," says Painter.

Also worth noting, this new software is mobile. The department will be able to take a lap top computer out to the scene and do video enhancement on location.