IMPD Updates City County Council Committee on Technology Rollout
Crime fighting technology is part of $9 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding designated toward modernizing the department
INDIANAPOLIS -- Tonight, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Criminal Investigations Division Commander Matthew Thomas gave an update to the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee on where the department stands regarding the rollout of crime fighting technology.
“It is clear that the City’s continued investment in crime-fighting technology is paying off for our department and the residents of Marion County,” said IMPD Commander Matthew Thomas. “It’s helping our officers patrol neighborhoods more efficiently, it is helping detectives solve crimes, and it is helping hold those committing violent crimes accountable by acting as a digital witness in the courtroom. This kind of modern policing is what we need not only now, but for the future of the department and for the city.”
Since Mayor Hogsett announced his plan to spend $150 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding on anti-violence initiatives, IMPD has hosted community members in each of the six IMPD districts to introduce the technology that will be implemented, as well as the policies and processes in place. These discussions will continue throughout the deployment, with the district community relations units serving as primary point of contacts for feedback.
Gunshot Detection Technology System
IMPD is in the process of testing three different pilot gunshot shot detection systems - Flock, ShotSpotter and J and M Security. This technology is designed to pinpoint the location when shots are fired and immediately alert law enforcement. These systems will be tested in a 5-square mile area on the city’s east side and near east side.
In the coming weeks, residents may see these companies in the area putting devices on poles and buildings or they may be approached by these companies and asked to put a device on their residence or business. In some cases, IMPD officers will accompany the companies. Participation is completely voluntary.
IMPD officials will evaluate these devices to see if they improve officer response time to shots fired incidents, if they alert IMPD to unreported shots fired incidents, and if they assist with evidence collection (i.e., shell casings) on shots fired incidents.
IMPD understands this technology comes at a large financial cost and will engage IUPUI to study the results of this pilot, providing enough information for the community to make an informed decision about the continued funding of this technology.
License Plate Readers
To date, IMPD has about 70 license plate readers city-wide, with plans to add 127 more in the coming months. Earlier this year, 25 automated license plate readers (ALPRs) were installed in Southwest District, with equipment provided by the National Policing Institute.
This technology has proven to corroborate and refute witness statements, but also gives IMPD investigators a lead when a vehicle is used in a crime or a person is at risk. It has been useful in various calls ranging from domestic violence to homicides, from missing persons cases to reckless driving and fatal hit and run investigations.
IMPD is looking forward to expanding this deployment but, like many organizations across the country, has experienced delays due to supply-chain issues.
Mobile Camera Trailers/Public Safety Cameras
IMPD will be receiving about six Mobile Camera Trailers in the coming weeks and will look to deploy those as soon as possible throughout the city. Expanding IMPD’S fleet allows the department to stay adaptable when gun violence trends are identified by community members, analysts, and officers. These devices operate completely free of hardwired internet or landline power needs and can be delivered to an area and stream video in real-time back to the Incident Analysis Center. IMPD detectives have already seen great results using this in entertainment zones, by identifying high-risk behavior by armed individuals, dispatching officers, and deescalating situations.
At present, IMPD has about 275 public safety camera views throughout Indianapolis, about 170 of which are through the B-Link program. These cameras provide the same benefits as a mobile trailer camera but at fixed locations. This high-definition video capability has proven beneficial in our event spaces and on our city streets.
Mayor Hogsett announced a comprehensive violence reduction plan in fall 2021, powered by $150 million in American Rescue Plan funds unanimously approved by the City-County Council. The plan emphasizes law enforcement investments, including $9 million in modern policing technology, 100 new IMPD officer positions, and up to 40 IMPD civilian positions to cover non-emergencies. It also addresses root causes of violence through $45 million for grassroots violence prevention organizations, 50 peacemakers to engage with those at risk of becoming perpetrators or victims of gun violence, $30 million for mental health resources, and more.
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