HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 24-1902INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 24-1902
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
September 24, 2024
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SUBJECT: GUNSHOT DETECTION TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
The purpose of this informal report is to provide updated information about our gunshot detection
pilot program, which was initiated earlier this year.
Review of the Technology and Pilot Program
Gunshot detection technology involves using microphones arranged in an array to cover a
specific area. When a microphone detects the sound of gunfire, it sends a signal. If three
microphones within the array detect gunfire, the Real Time Crime Center is alerted and provided
with the location based on triangulation from the three sensors. The gunshot detection system we
use is called Flock Raven.
We are almost finished installing the pilot areas within the City of Fort Worth.
• NW 25th St Area
• Las Vegas Trail Area
• Rosemont Area
• S Riverside/Berry Area
• Stalcup/Berry Area
There are no sounds retained unless they are identified as potential gunfire. Potential gunfire
sounds are kept for the last 200 incidents unless they are marked as having evidentiary value.
Pilot Program Update:
System installation began in July of 2024, and we started receiving alerts around mid -July.
Currently, the Flock Raven system is about 75% installed and operational. While we are receiving
alerts, we need to improve the accuracy, and we are in the process of calibrating and learning the
system. So far, we have received four successful alerts that were confirmed by 911 calls. Out of
the four alerts, three were in the Stockyards, and the other was in Ash Crescent. Officers were
able to apprehend a person discharging a firearm, and an arrest was made during one of the
alerts. We expect to be fully operational by the end of September 2024.
Fort Worth Police Response:
When an alert is received, officers are dispatched to the indicated area. At the same time, the
Real Time Crime Center monitors calls received by our Communications Center and other
surveillance cameras in the area to help confirm the precise location based on witness reports or
observation through video, if available. If we cannot locate a suspect, our goal is to identify the
problem location and/or any contributing factors that may have led to the incident, so we can
develop strategies to prevent or deter any future shootings.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 24-1902
pAT&A4
4
i {
i7 Y
rF rn
1075
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
September 24, 2024
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: GUNSHOT DETECTION TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
We have been very selective about the calls being sent out by the Real Time Crime Center, as
this is a pilot program and new technology for the Fort Worth Police Department. We only send
out information that we can confirm through another source, a witness, or surveillance cameras.
We believe that by the end of September, notifications will greatly increase because the system
will be calibrated and the officers will become confident in the alerts we receive.
Gunshot detection technology has the potential to provide a quick response to gunshot/shooting
alerts in our designated pilot areas. Once the system is fully functional, we will be able to
determine its true impact for the City of Fort Worth.
Additional questions or information requests should be directed to Executive Assistant Chief
Robert Alldredge at 817-392-4131.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS