#United States #Lakeland #Florida Poly #body-cam #Lakeland Police

Florida Polytechnic University Innovates Body-Cam Trigger

In a remarkable collaboration that highlights the synergy between education and community safety, Florida Polytechnic University has partnered with the Lakeland Police Department to develop an innovative device designed to enhance officer safety. The new technology, a body camera trigger, aims to automatically activate an officer's camera when their firearm is drawn, ensuring that critical incidents are captured transparently and efficiently.

The Need for Innovation

As police departments face increasing scrutiny and demand for accountability, finding innovative solutions to improve transparency is crucial. Acknowledging this pressing need, Chief Sammy Taylor of the Lakeland Police Department expressed gratitude to the Florida Poly team for their creative approach in designing a functional tool to assist officers in the field.

Development of the Device

The project was spearheaded by Matthew DeCicco, a mechanical engineering student at Florida Polytechnic University, and Mike Kalman, a mechanical engineering fabrication specialist. Together, they were tasked with creating a durable yet lightweight bracket that could attach securely to police officers' firearm holsters. The goal was to ensure the device could effectively trigger an existing Axon camera system when a gun was drawn from its holster.

Kalman noted, "The existing holsters were not designed to accommodate the sophisticated technology used by the department. This new high-tech solution caters to their advanced tools and enhances usability."

The innovative device operates by utilizing a Bluetooth-enabled sensor that reacts the moment an officer pulls a weapon from their specially designed holster. This immediate response not only activates the officer's body camera but can also instruct dashboard cameras in police vehicles to start recording. This simultaneous activation ensures a comprehensive recording of the events as they unfold, providing crucial evidence and enhancing accountability.

Behind the Engineering

The engineering process was no small feat. The team engaged in extensive design and prototyping, ultimately producing over 400 brackets using strong, carbon fiber filament through 3D printing technology. This advanced material offers the durability required for daily police use while maintaining a sleek profile that doesn’t hinder officer mobility.

Matthew DeCicco shared his enthusiasm about the project, stating, "It was amazing to represent Florida Poly's engineering program on a larger stage while contributing positively to our community. Collaborating with the Lakeland Police has been a rewarding experience."

Future Aspirations

Currently, the device is patent pending, with aspirations of widespread use among law enforcement agencies beyond Lakeland. The project not only represents a significant advancement in policing technology but also a step towards fostering trust and transparency between officers and the communities they serve.

Conclusion

The partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and the Lakeland Police Department serves as a shining example of how academic institutions can contribute to public safety. By devising technologies that make policing safer and more transparent, these innovators are paving the way for more effective law enforcement practices in the future.