IMPD will not go ahead with gunshot detection system
Indianapolis police will not go forward with gunshot detection program citing cost, ineffectiveness during test period. Here's what it plans instead. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police (IMPD) has decided not to pursue a gunshot detection system, citing its effectiveness in solving shootings. The decision was made following a nine-week pilot program and report testing technology from three vendors on the city's east side. The report found that while the sensors were effective in some cases, they were not enough to improve public safety outcomes for the high price tag. There were also concerns about the reliability, efficacy and potential biases of the technology. Funding for the program will go towards Smart Tasers, a less-lethal device for officers.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Sarah Nelson in
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police will not pursue technology that detects gunshots after reviewing its effectiveness in solving shootings, the department announced Thursday.
"After thorough consideration of the report from the pilot period, IMPD will forgo a gunshot detection system and instead invest in more impactful and fiscally responsible solutions," Chief Chris Bailey said in a prepared statement announcing the decision.
The decision comes after a nine-week pilot program and report testing the technology from three vendors on the city's east side. Leaked data recently found that sensors from one of the vendors, SoundThinking (previously known as ShotSpotter) were still installed throughout neighborhoods on the near east side of Indianapolis.
Police on Thursday said the report found the sensors allowed officers to respond more quickly in some cases but not enough to improve "public safety outcomes" for the hefty price tag. Police noted there were also concerns about the reliability, efficacy and potential biases of the technology.
Funding for the program will go toward Smart Tasers, a less-lethal device for officers.
Past reporting:Leaked data shows where gunshot detectors are in Indy.
Topics: Crime