City police chief uses technology to stop crime

CINCINATTI » Cincinnati’s police chief is leading an effort to fight crime with technology.

The Enquirer reports that Eliot Isaac has sought to expand the force’s technology efforts since becoming chief in 2015. Isaac’s three-point plan includes new gun violence technology, body cameras and a witness advocacy program. The department aims to curb violent crime and increase community engagement with their overhaul.

The city’s police department will adopt a program called ShotSpotter this summer to combat gun violence. ShotSpotter technology uses sonar sensors to detect when shots are fired and notify dispatchers. Officials hope police can respond to highcrime areas quicker with the new street technology.

In a push to promote transparency with policing, Cincinnati police were outfitted with body cameras in August. The incoming 2017 police academy class will join a force where body cameras are a departmentwide policy.

“I think the added value of that is they enter the profession wearing body cameras. This will be the norm for them. They won’t know anything else. It will be natural,” Isaac said.

The police department ushered in a witness advocacy program called Cincinnati Citizens Respect Our Witnesses. Isaac said the program allows the department to advocate on behalf of witnesses.

Isaac says the triage plan will ultimately help create a “modern-day” police department. The chief continues to try to reduce crime with his technology aided strategy.