INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD Chief Chris Bailey recently announced the department will not proceed with implementing gunshot detection system technology. This comes after IMPD conducted a comprehensive nine week pilot program to test the technology from three different vendors on Indy’s near east side. 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.
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 investigate combat and deter crime in our city.