INDIANAPOLIS — Chris Bailey, the chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, announced on Thursday that the department will not move forward with the purchase of gunshot detection system technology that it was piloting on the near east side of Indianapolis.
This comes after police piloted the gunshot detection system technology of three different vendors on the near east side. The department confirmed the pilot program with FOX59/CBS4 in February 2022.
“When I was appointed as Acting Chief, (Indianapolis) Mayor (Joe) 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,” Bailey said in a statement from the department. “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 from the pilot period stated that the gunshot detection technology reportedly led to the same amount of evidence as 9-1-1 calls did. The department determined that while the technology allowed officers to respond quicker in some cases, officials said that it was “not to the extent that it improved public safety outcomes.”
Officials said the funding originally for the technology, $1,012,445 allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act, will be used toward Smart Tasers.
“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,” Bailey said in the release. “These advancements have significantly enhanced patrol efficiency and effectiveness, aiding detectives in solving crimes.”
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