Puebloans raise concerns to police chief over body cameras

Police Chief Luis Velez promises body cameras will improve accountability and build trust between officers and the public, but there are mixed feelings about how the process will work.

“The policies that the Pueblo PD has written on these body cameras serve to benefit mainly, if not solely, Pueblo PD,” said Joaquin Molina.

The Human Relations Commission organized a meeting at Rawlings Library on Wednesday night between the police department and the public. Velez told the crowd of 60 people that officers will be required to record their interactions with the public. The department will keep the video for at least 90 days, in some cases indefinitely.

“I think it’s going to be a positive for the community and the police department,” said Sandra Baralla, a member of the Human Relations Commission.

“I think this is that opportunity for accountability,” said Frank Arteaga, who also lives in the city.

Velez said officers will not be recording video during their entire shift because it “cost an incredible amount of money” to store video in the digital system. When asked what repercussions officers would face if they failed to have their cameras on when they should, Velez said repeat offenses could result in an officer being fired.

If an officer happens to forget to turn on his/her body camera, Velez said, “We are in no worse shape in that moment than we are today.”

Velez said the public will be able to access body-camera video, at a cost. Supervisors will be required to audit video of their officers on a monthly basis.

“I do hope that the cameras will add transparency to what the police department does on a daily basis, that it sets accountability for our officers, and that, in fact, it creates more trust with our community,” Velez said. “When people know they’re being recorded, it alters their behavior.”

Deputy Chief Troy Davenport said officers could start wearing body cameras as early as next Monday.