INDIANAPOLIS -- Today, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Chief Chris Bailey announced the department will not proceed with gunshot detection system technology. This comes after IMPD conducted a comprehensive nine-week pilot program to test the technology offerings of three different vendors on Indy’s near east side.
“When I was appointed as Acting Chief, Mayor Hogsett tasked me with the responsibility to explore all available technology options that have the potential to modernize the department, enhance our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to incidents, and provide officers with better support as they work to improve the safety of our neighborhoods," said Chief Bailey. "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.”
The report, intended to determine which of three systems would work best for the Indianapolis community, was compiled by an academic partner and an IMPD working group. It found that gunshot detection technology led to about the same amount of evidence collected as 9-1-1 calls did. While the report found that some of the systems tested allowed officers to respond to the scene faster, it did not take into consideration outside factors such as where officers were located when the call was dispatched.
The pilot program and report provided valuable information to IMPD leadership, who ultimately found that while the technology allowed officers to responded quicker in some instances, it was not to the extent that it improved public safety outcomes. Through careful review of these results, public safety officials have determined the level of effectiveness of gunshot detection technology was incommensurate with the costs associated. Additionally, there were concerns about the reliability, efficacy, and potential biases of the technology.
The decision not to move forward with the gunshot detection system reinforces the city's commitment to evidence-based practices. The department will instead focus on investing in alternative technology solutions which offer greater effectiveness and cost efficiency to combat crime and enhance law enforcement response. IMPD will continue to work collaboratively with residents, community organizations, and other stakeholders to implement comprehensive public safety initiatives.
“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,” Chief Bailey said.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding originally allotted to gunshot detection technology was $1,012,445. This funding now will be used toward Smart Tasers, a less-lethal option for officers encountering violent situations.
In 2022, IMPD issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather information and determine the viability of a gunshot detection system in Indianapolis. A gunshot detection system committee reviewed the proposals and in April 2022, the committee chose three companies to move forward with field testing. Those three companies were J & M Security, Shotspotter and Flock Safety.
The original request for information identified an area on IMPD’s East District for testing. This location was selected based on data, including the high density of robberies, homicides and non-fatal shootings that occurred there.
