Helmet cameras are all the rage in extreme sports these days. Athletes and adrenalin junkies alike want to capture their out-of-this-world stunts using these sturdy wearable cameras. By attaching these digital cameras to their headgear, chest or their vehicles, they are able to get still photos and high-definition video of the action from their point of view when they are right smack in the middle of thrilling run. Skydiving, bungee jumping and motocross riding are just some of the many sports activities where these POV cameras are more popularly used.

But the functionality of these technological wonders has gone beyond adrenaline-pumping sports. Now, these gadgets are widely used by members of law enforcement such as those by the SWAT or by search and rescue police to capture their tactical practice sessions. Utilizing helmet cameras for training videos have proven useful not only for documentation purposes but also for improving the performance of trainees in real life scenarios on the field. Because these so-called lipstick cameras are sturdy, compact and hands-free, they can easily be strapped on helmets or other headgear and even weapons to capture each event as it unfolds.

Using helmet cameras for training give the benefit of recording a trainee's performance in tactical entry situations or in simulated field missions requiring him or her to make tough and calculated decisions under extreme time pressure. During the review, certain mistakes or errors in judgment are seen clearly and the trainee is told the proper or more efficient way of handling such problems should it arise in real field operations. These videos can be a rich source of instructional videos for future novices to improve the quality of law enforcement or fire fighting instruction in the country.

Helmet cameras for training are not limited by environmental conditions. Built to withstand falls, breaks or intense heat, these portable cams can be used in any training environment imaginable. They can be used in extreme desert conditions without fear of dust accumulating in the lenses and causing the camera to malfunction. The removable protective casing ensures that the helmet remains dust-free and durable even in the harsh desert conditions. Taking videos and stills of underwater training isn't a problem since most of these helmet cameras are waterproof up to a certain depth.

When a training session is recorded in its entirety, any grading or promotional system used to determine an individual trainee's skill also becomes objective. Through the dispassionate or neutral eye of the video camera, strategies that speak of exceptional thinking and analytical skills are showcased. Conversely, errors that speak of poor judgment and an utter lack of common sense are also shown. This makes evaluation more meaningful as well as making the review or debriefing sessions more multi-faceted. Using helmet cameras for taking training videos will inevitably result to improved classes, more objective assessment of individual ability and infinitely better quality in law enforcement instruction. By doing a careful, step-by-step review of the training, more policemen, firefighters and other law enforces will be better equipped to save lives.