The City of Wichita is launching a Gunshot Detection System (GDS) pilot project which uses sensors to locate where gunfire occurs. Wichita is the first city in the world to use this particular technology system.
The acoustic sensors will be installed next week throughout Wichita. The locations were chosen based on crime data collected over the past three years and requests from residents in the selected areas. The exact locations are not being disclosed to help ensure the pilot project results are not skewed.
The sensors can pinpoint gunfire within a one-square-mile area. When a gunshot is detected, multiple sensors will determine the location, time, date, type and direction of the gunfire. This information will be transmitted within seconds to Sedgwick County 911 Dispatch and officers will be directed to the area.
The one-year pilot project will consist of several phases. The accuracy of the sensors is expected to improve after each phase of the pilot project.
The Community Safety grant is funding the GDS pilot project. It is much more affordable than similar technology from other companies, providing a significant cost savings of thousands of dollars annually.
The technology is part of the City of Wichita's StreetSmart approach to Smart Cities, using technology to positively impact citizens' lives.
