Pueblo Community College designs new camera system for Pueblo PD

On Thursday, the Pueblo Police Department introduced the new cop camera, a safety tool designed and created by PCC stem and machining students.

This brand new camera will allow officers to view hidden areas without exposing themselves to potential danger. That's something Sgt. Frank Ortega says is an everyday occurrence.

“If somebody broke into your house, you’d want us to check everywhere to make sure no one is in there," Ortega said. "There are some places in a house -- an attic, maybe in a closet -- there are places that we have to check but it’s better to check it with this camera than putting your face in there and looking.”

Ortega has been sitting on this idea for a while before finally going to PCC for help. Ortega says this is the first camera of it’s kind that he knows of.

“Believe it or not, nobody has ever thought of this. This is a brand new idea. To me, it’s shocking because when they were selling us this camera they were saying you could look over walls, you could do this -- but I like my hands, I like my fingers,” he said.

So how does it all work?

Tom Martinez, the lead designer, explains, “Metal front and back, that way it’s a little more durable in its weaker points. You lock your camera into here, their body cam then put this onto a pole and they can look into drop ceilings. Their camera can [connect through] Bluetooth to their smartphones so they can actually use it real-time and see what’s going on.”

Martinez says he’s grateful to be able to help create something that will help keep officers in Pueblo safe.

“I help them do their jobs more effectively. It’s awesome to be able to say that I did that,” said Martinez.

In total, 100 cameras were made at $30 per unit. The money for the project was secured through a grant. Starting Thursday, each camera will be equipped to a Pueblo PD patrol car.