HomeMy WebLinkAbout25-0134 - 2025-12-02 - Informal ReportINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0134
";T To the Mayor and Members of the City Council December 2, 2025
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Page 1 of 2
0VA SUBJECT: GUN SHOT DETECTION TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
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The purpose of this informal report is to provide an update on the implementation of technology
which the Police Department uses to detect the location of gunshots with the goal of providing
investigative leads on shooting offenses and reducing gunshots in the City of Fort Worth.
As of the end of October, 2025, the Police Department has deployed gunshot detection
technology in five primary locations based on historical gunshot data. Each division, excluding
North Division, has had Flock Raven equipment installed in the following areas:
• NW 25th St Area
• Las Vegas Trail Area
• Rosemont Area
• S Riverside/Berry Area
• Stalcup/Berry Area
In addition to these stationary sensors, Acoem gunshot detection equipment is available for large
scale and special events, or in areas with increased reports of shots fired that are outside of the
Flock Raven program areas.
Both the Flock Raven system and the Acoem Gunshot Detection system are currently funded
through a Texas Anti -Gang (TAG) grant. The Flock Raven system is capable of working with
existing public safety cameras, and each Acoem system is directly tied to an onboard camera.
Between January 1, 2025, and November 16, 2025, there were approximately 6074 Flock Raven
gunshot detection alerts. Please note that this is for individual devices. If there is a slight delay in
the person shooting (such as a reload), a new alert may be generated for the same incident.
Additionally, several of the individual devices could "alert" to the same incident, as they work in
concert to pinpoint the source of the shots.
Gunshot detection alerts are rarely dispatched as calls for service unless they can be verified by
other means such as a 911 caller or a city owned camera. Instead, dispatchers routinely send
out informational broadcasts to officers via their in -car computer for unconfirmed alerts. These
calls are not tracked, but a general search during the above listed time period revealed 22 calls
for service tied to a gunshot detection alert.
Our Gun Violence Unit and Homicide Units routinely begin their on -scene investigations with a
Flock Raven search through the Real Time Crime Center to verify their initial findings.
Additionally, investigators have successfully used these alerts to locate offense locations when
victims or witnesses have been unable to provide that critical information.
Gunshot detection technology only provides investigative leads that have to be built upon so it is
not always easy to track how many cases it solves; however, it has proven to be valuable in many
cases such as the one listed below.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0134
";T To the Mayor and Members of the City Council December 2, 2025
AA
Page 2 of 2
0VA SUBJECT: GUN SHOT DETECTION TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
10�
In October, 2025, Gun Violence detectives were able to use information from Flock Raven
sensors to discredit a witness's statement and the witness subsequently identified the primary
suspect in an aggravated assault in East Division. That suspect has since been arrested.
Gunshot detection has also allowed the Real Time Crime Center to assess incoming alerts to
determine their validity. In cases where it is apparent that the alert captured something other than
a gunshot, RTCC officers are able to cancel those calls for service, ensuring officers are available
for other priorities. On the other hand, gunshot alerts have assisted RTCC officers with confirming
possible shootings, allowing them to notify responding officers prior to their arrival.
Communication with the Public
In preparation for the New Year's Eve holiday, the department will be sharing crucial information
across a variety of social media platforms. Our messaging focuses on the critical importance of
gun safety and draws attention to the grave dangers associated with discharging firearms into the
air, such as stray bullets potentially harming unsuspecting individuals or damaging property.
We aim to inform the public about safety measures and responsible firearm practices, and our
ongoing efforts reflect a steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our
community while promoting responsible behavior during celebratory occasions.
Additional questions or information requests should be directed to Deputy Chief Mark Barthen at
817-392-4121.
Jesus "Jay" Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS