The city of Benton Harbor is partnering with Michigan State Police as the agency seeks funding for a new gunshot detection system in the city.
At a meeting this week, Benton Harbor City Commissioners approved a resolution expressing support for the state police as they seek to start the ShotSpotter System on behalf of the city and Benton Township.
The ShotSpotter System is an acoustic surveillance technology that uses sensors on buildings and poles to detect, locate, and alert law enforcement agencies of potential gunfire incidents in real time.
Commissioner Ron Singleton said Monday commissioners have looked at this for a couple of years.
“We knew it wasn’t affordable, especially when we’d been through a whole lot of financial struggles, but we had a presentation at our last Public Safety Committee meeting, and if we’re able to pull it off, it’s going to make a great impact on our community,” Singleton said. “So, [I’m] looking forward to seeing that go through.”
The commission’s vote this week doesn’t commit the city to any expense. It’s just supporting Michigan State Police as they seek funding.
Also this week, commissioners approved spending $38,000 in federal ARPA funds on new police body cameras. The old cameras were purchased in 2017, and the commission’s resolution says they’re at end of their useful life due to the batteries being old.
