The Wichita Police Department has been testing gunshot detectors in some areas of the city since 2022, with a new push to make them a permanent fixture in detecting gun violence.
- Gunshot Detectors
- History
- Pilot Program
Wichita City Council approved the expansion of Flock Safety gun detectors in October 2024. The department is developing a policy for using these detectors and incorporating community feedback into the process.
“The new system is more accurate and allows for quicker response due to quicker notification,” said Wichita Police Department officials.
Gunshot detectors are a technology used to detect and alert law enforcement to gunshots in real-time. These devices are usually attached to utility poles with a small solar panel, the size of a small pizza box on top, and are designed to determine the location of the gunshot by measuring the time it takes for the sound to reach different sensors.
According to the Wichita Police Department, most gunshots go unreported. The detectors use artificial intelligence to alert dispatch and officers when gunshots are detected, but this feature is still in the testing phase.
| Step 1: Gunshot Detected | Step 2: Time Measurement | Step 3: Audio Recording | Step 4: Deletion of Audio Recording |
The new detectors are designed to provide a more accurate and quicker response to gun violence incidents. Multiple cities across the United States have successfully implemented gunshot detectors in the past, with notable examples including Houston, where Shot Spotter technology was used.
However, it’s worth noting that some cities have since taken down their gunshot detectors due to concerns over their effectiveness and accuracy. For instance, Shot Spotter, the company behind the technology, has faced criticism for its reliance on human reviewers to verify gunshots.
Local gun violence prevention organizations emphasize the importance of community involvement in addressing gun violence. Bracquael Chamberlain of Cure Violence ICT stated, “We can get on the front end of it, we offer the community an opportunity to step in and say ‘Hey, this is a problem’ this is what is happening and we can get right in and provide our mediation support services, we can go in and provide our resourcers and bring those resources to the people.”
Wichita Police Department officials believe that the new system will provide a more effective way to address gun violence, with faster response times and improved accuracy. The department is now sharing the revised policy with the public, and a public meeting was held to educate community members on the program.
How the Gunshot Detectors Will Work
- Gunshot Detectors will be attached to utility poles with a small solar panel.
- They will use artificial intelligence to alert dispatch and officers when gunshots are detected.
- The devices will provide a rough idea of where the gunshot occurred.
- The audio recording will be deleted after 30 days.
The Wichita Police Department is committed to making the gunshot detectors a permanent part of their crime-fighting strategy, with a focus on community engagement and collaboration.
Key Benefits
- Improved Accuracy: The new system is more accurate and allows for quicker response due to quicker notification.
- Faster Response Time: The detectors will provide faster response times, enabling officers to arrive at the scene more quickly.
- Community Engagement: The department is incorporating community feedback into the policy, ensuring that the program is tailored to meet the needs of the community.
Conclusion
The Wichita Police Department’s decision to implement gunshot detectors as a permanent part of their crime-fighting strategy is a step in the right direction.
