By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — City Council members on Monday approved a nearly $550,000 contract to increase the number of gunshot detectors and automatic license-plate readers used by the Rockford Police Department.

Aldermen voted 11-0 to approve a two-year contract with Atlanta-based Flock Safety for four square miles of gunshot detection and 64 license plate readers. The deal includes a six-month free trial period, followed by $294,900 for the first year and $260,000 for year two.

The gunshot detectors recognize audio signatures typical of crimes in progress — such as gunshots, screeching tires, and breaking glass — and can alert police before 911 is called, according to Flock Safety. The license-plate reading cameras can automatically identify plates or other identifying characteristics of a vehicle wanted in connection to a crime to alert officers.

“The license-plate readers are very effective for the police department. It allows us to put in vehicles that we’re looking for,” Police Chief Carla Redd said during Monday’s City Council meeting. “Our guys use it on a daily basis, which lead to us locating the vehicles.”

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The gunshot detection system will cover 2 square miles on the east side of the river and 2 square miles on the west side. The devices will overlap in places with the existing Shotspotter detectors to help the city compare the effectiveness of the two systems.

After the six-month trial period, the city could decide which system to continue to use.

The license-plate reading cameras will be in the area of the gunshot system and fill gaps in the city not currently covered.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.