Mayor Graham and Pueblo Police Department Host Governor Polis in Real-Time Crime Center

Posted on: December 18, 2024 

PUEBLO—Mayor of Pueblo Heather Graham, Chief of Pueblo Police Department Chris Noeller and Pueblo Police Department staff hosted Governor of Colorado Jared Polis for a tour and demonstration at the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC).

“Today was an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the RTCC and explain to Governor Polis how the future investment of the DOLA grant will expand ShotSpotter technology,” said Mayor of Pueblo Heather Graham. “We are grateful for DOLA’s continued investment in our community. We are also proud of the success we have already experienced while utilizing this technology to solve crime and improve police response for a safer Pueblo.”

In the ten months since ShotSpotter went live, Pueblo Police Department has had 1,240 alerts of 4,670 shots, 48 of which were fully automatic, drawn 335 reports, recovered 1,851 casings, recovered 103 firearms, made 37 arrests and provided aid 16 times. Out of the 1,240 alerts only 278 (22%) of these incidents were called in by citizens and would otherwise would have gone undetected.

Earlier this year, Mayor Graham and Chief Noeller traveled to Montrose for a presentation before the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for a $1,000,000 ask to expand services and technology at the RTCC.

“In Colorado, we are focused on preventing crime and helping our law enforcement to quickly catch and detain criminals. The Real-Time Crime Center is an innovative facility that is helping to decrease crime rates across Southern Colorado, and keep our communities safer,” said Governor of Colorado Jared Polis.

The DOLA grant specifically provides funding to increase ShotSpotter locations and fund technology upgrades to expand the footprint of technology deployed by Pueblo Police Department. Through the $1,000,000 award from DOLA, the City of Pueblo is required to match the award with an additional $1,000,000 for a total of $2,000,000 to be allocated to the RTCC.

“Today’s demonstration with Governor Polis at the RTCC was especially perfect timing as we just recently announced integration with the Community Connect program to bring public-private partnership,” said Chief of Police Chris Noeller. “We have continued to look for innovative ways to solve crime and keep our community safer.”

Launched in July 2024, the Real-Time Crime Center amplifies the work of officers on the ground by providing additional information to aid in improving response times, locating suspects, and persons in need of emergency assistance. The center includes technology like ShotSpotter, officer-worn body footage, drone footage when deployed by the Pueblo Police Department (PPD), camera footage, license plate readers, and more. Through a network of cameras located in strategic areas throughout the City of Pueblo, the technology allows non-sworn personnel to assist police officers in real-time while on calls.