IMPD will not go ahead with gunshot detection system
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police will not pursue technology that detects gunshots after an extensive study into the systems' effectiveness in investigating shootings, opting to instead "invest in more impactful and fiscally responsible solutions," the department announced Thursday.
The decision to forgo a gunshot detection system comes after a nine-week pilot program and follow-up report testing sensors installed by three vendors on the city's east side between September and December 2022. The report, compiled by researchers and a working group in the department, concluded the technology had little difference in collecting evidence versus if residents called 911. Additionally, the report cited concerns with reliability, efficacy and potential biases.
Police leadership concluded that while the technology allowed officers to respond more quickly in some cases, it did not reach a level proportional to the hefty costs the systems carry. Instead, Indianapolis police will invest in alternative technology solutions that offer greater effectiveness and cost efficiency, a release about the announcement stated.
“IMPD remains committed to investing in various technologies such as public safety cameras, mobile trailer cameras, B-link technology, automated license plate readers, and other proven tools to combat and deter crime in our city. These advancements have significantly enhanced patrol efficiency and effectiveness, aiding detectives in solving crimes,” Police Chief Christopher Bailey said.
Over $1 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan that was bookmarked for the program in 2021 will instead be used toward Smart Tasers, described as a less-lethal option for officers, police said.
The decision to nix the program comes nearly 18 months after the gunshot detectors went live on the east side for a limited time to conduct the study. In the rollout of the program, the police department reviewed sensors from three companies: J & M Security, SoundThinking (previously known as ShotSpotter) and Flock Safety.
In May 2023, the city invited companies to submit bids to provide gunshot detection technology. The bidding period closed in early July. Yet recently leaked data showed that sensors from SoundThinking remained installed in east-side neighborhoods until at least late February, roughly seven months after the bidding window closed. It's unclear if the tech was there the entire time but the company told Mirror Indy it was installed as part of the bidding process. IndyStar has reached out to SoundThinking about the status of their sensors.
The other two companies told media outlets they had removed their technology as the results were being examined.
This article will update.
Past reporting: Leaked data shows where gunshot detectors are in Indy.
Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis crime: City will not implement gunshot detection program
