By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton Police will be deploying a new tool to help with surveillance of problem areas, special events in and around Raton this week.
The department purchased two WCCTV IR Minidome IR HD PTZ cameras that are setup on 15-foot masts. Each camera setup has both WIFI and Cellular capabilities and will allow the department to add an extra set of eyes for events in the downtown area as well as other hot zones in town.
The cameras will be monitored from the police department as well as from officers’ laptops or other wireless devices carried by officers or in their patrol units. Each unit has the capability to record and store locally or with software can be incorporated into a video surveillance program. On board storage as well as remote storage of video will allow officers to target specific areas to collect evidence and provide extra security for a specific event or area and have video backup if something happens at an event.
There is some training that will be required to operate the camera systems which will happen as the units are deployed. The units will be rotated around as needed by the department.
The funding for this equipment came from law enforcement funds that the police department receives each year. The total cost of the two camera systems was just over $101,000 which includes training and support.
