Fort Wayne Police Department to Pilot Flock Safety Raven Audio Detection System

The Fort Wayne Police Department is launching a limited pilot program to test the Flock Safety Raven audio detection system in select areas of the city. This technology is designed to detect gunfire and other public safety-relevant sounds, such as street takeovers and distress signals, providing real-time alerts to law enforcement. The initiative reflects a broader push within the public safety technology sector to leverage acoustic sensors and integrated data platforms to improve emergency response times and investigative accuracy.

The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) is initiating a limited pilot program to test the Flock Safety Raven audio detection system, an initiative aimed at enhancing public safety through advanced acoustic sensors. The Raven system is engineered to detect and identify sounds associated with gunfire, as well as other relevant audio signatures including fireworks, street takeovers, and sounds of distress. When a qualifying sound is detected, the system analyzes the signature in real time and alerts law enforcement with an approximate location, allowing officers to respond to incidents even when no 911 call has been placed.

A significant component of the pilot is the system's integration with FlockOS, Flock Safety’s comprehensive platform that allows investigators to correlate audio alerts with other data sources, such as license plate reader information. This integration provides a multi-angle view of incidents, helping officers identify associated vehicles and confirm potential threats with greater precision. According to the department, audio data captured by the system is retained for 21 days, providing a window for investigative follow-up while maintaining data management protocols.

To address privacy concerns, FWPD clarified that the Raven system is not a surveillance tool for monitoring speech and does not record or store conversations. The technology is designed to remain dormant until a unique acoustic signature is detected, specifically ignoring ambient noise and human voices. Chief Smith noted that the department’s goal is to use technology to respond more effectively to violent crime while maintaining community trust through transparency. During this testing phase, the FWPD will evaluate the system’s accuracy, effectiveness, and overall impact on response times and community safety.