WPD asking for more FLOCK cameras, gunshot detection

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wichita City Council is considering giving the Wichita Police Department more money for FLOCK cameras and gunshot detection technology.

The WPD wants 31 more “FLOCK Safety Readers.” They take photos of license plates to try and track suspects and stolen vehicles. The photos are purged in 30 days unless they are involved in an investigation.

The WPD said it first started utilizing FLOCK technology in Nov. 2020, and since then the devices have led to the recovery of $5.4 million in stolen property, and “clearances of numerous violent crimes including homicide.”

Councilmembers are also considering whether to expand a gunshot detection system. During testing, the WPD said it found 83% of gunshots went undetected. The WPD said it began using FLOCK Raven gunshot detection devices in places considered hotspots for gun crime in 2022.

WPD wants to add two square miles of coverage, based on hotspot analysis of crime in Wichita.

The cost for both of these requests from the WPD is around $186,150 for one year. The council will discuss them at their meeting next Tuesday.

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