The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) in Kansas City, MO, recently joined the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) in deploying ShotSpotter, an acoustic technology that provides detailed information on gunshots fired.

KCATA was the lead agency in the planning and procurement of the ShotSpotter service for the KCPD. The public transit system is funding the project with $720,000 that became available when it completed its most recent Bus Rapid Transit project, the Troost MAX Green Line, under budget.

“We believe this is the first deployment in the country of ShotSpotter through this type of partnership,” said KCATA General Manager Mark Huffer. “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.”

“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.”

Implementation of the shot-detecting technology is part of an effort to support the city’s proactive policing strategies and deployments as part of an ongoing commitment to improve the safety, security, and quality of life for residents by ridding the city of gun crime and gun violence.

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 police 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.

As part of its comprehensive approach to resolving crime issues, the police department has collaborated with various entities including KCATA, the 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.