Gwinnett County Public Schools: CTE In Action: Real-World Problem, Student-Powered Solution

Press release from Gwinnett County Public Schools:

03.02.22

Members of the Lilburn Police Department’s SWAT unit are better equipped to do their jobs, thanks to CTE students at Maxwell HS of Technology. Students in the school’s manufacturing program designed and created a device that allows officers to mount tactical cameras on their helmets.

Brandon Myers, Manufacturing instructor at Maxwell, explains, “The police department uses a barrel-style camera in its SWAT operations. These cameras could not mount to their helmets without interfering with their hearing protection. They asked us to design a solution that would house the camera, allow mounting in different locations, and allow access to charging and data storage.”

Officer Cody Belcher, an investigator with the Lilburn Police Department and a Maxwell High alumnus, felt confident the students could find a solution to the problem, so he asked his former school for help. The students met with Officer Belcher in September of 2021 to discuss design needs and expectations. Working together, the students designed and tested 19 variations of the camera mount before settling on the final product. The housings were delivered and put into service in January.

Mr. Myers is proud of his students. “These students are the future of Georgia’s workforce,” he says. “I believe there is a level of authenticity and investment that comes with making ‘real parts’ for ‘real people’. Our students understand the gravity of that realization and are empowered by it. We have been told by alumni that their Maxwell experience has stayed with them throughout their careers. This project is evident of the trust and confidence our community has in the work achieved at Maxwell.”

This press release was produced by Gwinnett County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.