(Kansas City, Mo. – June 7, 2012) Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) and the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) are deploying ShotSpotter, an acoustic technology that provides detailed information on gunshots fired. This is believed to be the first joint ShotSpotter project between a police department and transit agency.
The project is being funded with $720,000 from KCATA’s most recent bus rapid transit project. The funds became available when KCATA’s Troost MAX Green Line was completed under budget. KCATA was the lead agency in the planning and procurement of the ShotSpotter service for the KCPD. This is an effort to support Kansas City’s proactive policing strategies and deployments, in its ongoing commitment to improve the safety, security and quality of life for its residents by ridding the city of gun crime and gun violence.
“Securing the funding to make this possible for Kansas City has been a long-term effort and a long time coming,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D–MO). “I am thrilled the day has finally arrived. My hope is this technology will help our excellent police officers get to victims more quickly, catch criminals more readily, and make our entire city a safer place to live.”
The gunfire data and intelligence provided by ShotSpotter Flex will be critical in supporting KCPD’s policing and enforcement efforts across all areas of their operations. Not only does it enable the KCPD to respond faster and more safely to gunfire incidents, but the solution also allows officers to proactively develop effective problem-oriented, data-drive policing strategies and tactical deployments.
“ShotSpotter has the power to get officers to shooters and victims very quickly,” said KCPD Chief Darryl Forté. “I’ve done the research, and it’s a great crime-fighting tool. Even before I was chief, it was something I wished the Kansas City Police Department could have, but we never could identify a funding source for it.”
Once implemented, KCPD will also be able to gather more detailed gunfire incident information and forensic evidence for investigations and analysis, resulting in increased prosecutions for gun-related crime, and the data will enhance crime analysis and predictive policing capabilities, leading to improved public safety and security.
KCPD is undertaking a comprehensive approach to resolving crime issues, and has collaborated with various entities including the KCATA, City of Kansas City, community organizations and supporters, all working together to reduce gun violence and combat its negative impact to the community. KCPD will deploy the technology in areas with high incidents of gunfire.
“We are honored to begin working with Chief Forte, the Kansas City Police Department and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to improve community safety, and having the support of federal, state and local officials is critical to our success in helping combat gun violence effectively.” said Ralph A. Clark, President and CEO of SST. “Our work enables cities and communities to create comprehensive gun violence reduction programs, and technology and data are critical components. We are committed to providing the Kansas City Police Department the critical information and expertise needed to combat gun crime.”
KCATA General Manager Mark Huffer said he is proud that this unique partnership will serve and protect citizens.
“We believe this is the first deployment in the country of ShotSpotter through this type of partnership,” said Mark Huffer, General Manager of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. “We are pleased to partner with the City of Kansas City and the KCPD to play a role in elevating the level of safety to the community, as well as to our customers and employees.”