Video quick zoom and autofocus for officer safety

A process for capturing video image data through the use of video recording and image control equipment installed within a vehicle comprising the steps of:

• i. initialize a video capture device to begin the capture of video data at a first level of video resolution;
• ii. cause the video capture device to operate in daytime mode or nighttime mode as defined in a software control module;
• iii. upon the receipt of a trigger event, as pre-defined in said software control module, initialize a trigger event timer and initiate the process of automatic video data capture at a second level of video resolution under either of daytime or nighttime mode rules under software program control;
• iv. upon the expiration of a pre-defined time limit, reset the capture of video data to said first level of video resolution;
• v. store all captured video data to a high capacity data storage device within the vehicle;
• vi. upon receipt of any subsequent trigger event, repeat steps iii through v;
• vii. wherein the automatic video data capture occurs without intervention of a driver of said vehicle eliminating distraction for said driver and providing for greater driver safety with no loss of video image data.