‘They’ve proven to be a useful tool’: Anderson police using automatic gunshot detectors

ANDERSON, Ind. — 175 automatic gunshot detectors have gone up around Anderson, where city leaders plan to add even more aiming to crack down on violent crime.

“We have far too many shootings for the size of this community,” said Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings.

Cummings said witnesses don’t often stick around the scene of a crime, so the use of any new technology is hugely beneficial when it comes time to build a case.

“These shootings occur in areas where people are very reluctant to come forward and speak to the police,” Cummings added. “These gunshot detectors give instant notification to the police. They can arrive at the scene quickly and still contact witnesses.”

Anderson has seen a steady rise in violence over the years. So, Police Chief Michael Lee said research and project development began in early 2023. By the end of the year, the city started implementing Flock gunshot detectors, integrated with 43 existing license plate readers.

Lee added that the system has already helped in the arrests of several suspects. For example, back in January – when a 38-year-old man was shot and killed – Lee said detectors allowed officers to respond six minutes before the first 911 call even came in.

The very next day, 30-year-old Crystin Walker and 19-year-old Isaiah Crawford were arrested, with both now awaiting trial for murder.

“The street code of not saying anything isn’t getting us anywhere as a community,” Jason Fullington said. “This community is falling apart. Houses and people are being shot up.”

Jason Fullington with the Madison County Hand-Up Initiative said he supports any technology that helps reduce response times but would like to see more proactive police work in the community as well.

“I think that would go a long way in changing the culture in this area, to help build trust in the police department and also to help show kids that there’s a better way,” Fullington said.

Automatic gunshot detectors were also piloted by Indianapolis Metro Police, but IMPD announced earlier this year they wouldn’t be keeping the system, saying it led to the same amount of evidence as 911 calls did.

“The system has proven to be an effective tool for us and we will continue to invest in it,” Lee said.

Anderson Police declined our requests to sit down for an interview, instead only answering questions over email.