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DPD proposes new tech for West Dayton crime prevention
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The Dayton Police Department is proposing a new program to help cut down on violent crime in the city.
Gunshot detection drones and license plate readers are part of the new technology DPD wants to bring into three West Dayton neighborhoods.
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2 NEWS spoke with community members who say they are hopeful this program will reduce crime.
'We can't expect officers to be everywhere at all times,' said Tasha Rountree, Wolf Creek Neighborhood Association president.
Rountree says her community is likely to benefit from the implementation of new technology that could soon be patrolling the Miami Chapel, North Riverdale and Residence Park areas.
This effort comes as part of a $400,000 public safety grant that will help the department implement gunshot detection, license plate readers and drones.
DPD says drones will be strategically put on the outskirt of a large cluster of West Dayton neighborhoods.
Rountree believes this will help protect people who live in these areas.
'With the drones being geared to hearing gunshots, we don't have to have neighbors who are now afraid to call the police,' said Rountree. 'We now have drones that heat the sound, the officers can respond.'
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Dayton PD says this is all part of a pilot program, and that in two years, its results will be assessed.
In a statement to 2 NEWS, DPD says in part, 'The technology will be integrated and monitored through the Real-Time Crime Center, which will enhance situational awareness, improve investigative continuity, and maximize the efficiency of police resources.'
Rountree says while there are concerns surrounding surveillance and other bad actors, many local residents are looking for a solution to violence in their neighborhoods.
'And so when you have a deterrent to know those officers are coming in, we don't even have to call, that's going to curb some of the crime,' said Rountree.
The program is not in effect just yet. City officials say they will present a draft of their policy for the program to the city commission. If approved, the technology could start being used later this year.
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