A data acquisition system including at least a speaker and a microphone coupled to a two-way radio, in addition to audio recording circuitry and multi-use audio memory coupled to the microphone. The system may further include a video camera lens, an image sensor for receiving images through the camera lens, video recording circuitry, and rewriteable digital video memory. Intercoupling of the various devices included in the system may be via either wired communication or wireless radio frequency communication. All components of the system may be contained in a single housing, such as a speaker microphone. Alternatively, the various components may be distributed in several interconnected modules. The system may further include a light source having at least one light-emitting diode. The various components are powered by an electro-chemical power supply, which may be either integral with the two-way radio or separate therefrom.