Abstract: A digital video surveillance system includes a video server in a law enforcement vehicle which allows recording to digital optical media including DVD RAM disks, a removable hard disk drive, and other media such as compact flash memory. Shock-mounting and environmental assistance may be provided. The system includes a memory buffer that is recording at all times. When the recorder is activated, the memory buffer contents, including video and audio, are recorded onto the media before the system starts recording directly from the video camera. Recording rates and compression formats may be user-selectable. A method may also be provided to capture or receive snapshots and output them to or receive them from a wireless transmitter such as a cellular modem for missing persons or suspect identification, for example.