Leaked data shows where gunshot detectors are in Indy. Here's where
The location of technology used to detect gunshots in Indianapolis has emerged after a leaked document was made public, according to reports.
In an article from technology magazine Wired, data from the company formerly known as ShotSpotter shows numerous detectors concentrated solely on the east side of Indianapolis – starting directly east of downtown.
Gunshot detection systems claim to pinpoint gunfire and send the information to police so officers can respond to the area and recover evidence.
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The city piloted the technology in 2022 by rolling out sensors from three companies in designated locations, including SoundThinking, previously known as ShotSpotter. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police on Friday said the department does not have a contract with any of the three companies, and any sensors installed during the pilot are the company's responsibility. They added police do not have access to those sensors.
"The evaluation of whether or not gunshot detection technology system is right for Indianapolis is still ongoing," the police department said in a statement. "IMPD will continue to communicate updates regarding the system as they become available."
The department's new chief Chris Bailey in a recent IndyStar interview touched on the varied opinions on the efficacy of the technology and whether it reduces crime.
“It’s a very expensive piece of technology,” he said. “In our city’s 400 square miles, we’re probably never going to have enough money to put it in all the places we want.”
Previous reporting: Indianapolis Gunshot detection data under review to determine technology's future in city
Where exactly the gunshot detectors would be installed in Indianapolis was not revealed for security reasons when the pilot program launched. However, the newly-published map appears to align with where police said the technology would be tested.
What are the boundaries for Indianapolis' gunshot detection system?
When testing began, police said detection systems were installed in a roughly 5-square-mile area on the east side of Indianapolis. The area stretches from Massachusetts Avenue and East 21st Street to the north; Emerson Avenue to the east, East Washington Street to the south; and North Oriental Street to the west. Neighborhoods included in the testing phase are Little Flower, Tuxedo Park, Bosart Brown and Woodruff Place. The area around Brookside Park also falls in the testing area.
Previous reporting: Gunshot detection testing on east side of Indianapolis. Here's what to know
Police have previously told IndyStar that installation of the detection systems to cover a 3-square-mile area could cost about $250,000 and another $200,000 per year for maintenance.
Indianapolis' pilot of the gunshot detection system began about the time homicides and shootings reached record levels in the city. In the past two years, killings have begun to decline, but violence involving guns continues to plague the city's youngest residents.
More: Stories of rising Indy youth violence 'shock the conscience.' But not everyone has given up
In the know: 5 ways to slow gun deaths and injuries in Indiana that don't require new laws
Read the Wired.com article here.
Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Report: Leaked data shows where gunshot sensors are in Indianapolis
