(This information is from a presentation given by the Bloomington Police Department to the Public Safety & Community Relations Board on January 5th, 2023.)

The City of Bloomington has received a $500,000 Violence Reduction grant. The Bloomington Police Department plans to spend the $500,000 in the following ways:

YOUTH SUMMER CAMP ($40,000, est.)

– Partner with school & community groups to identify the youth participants. The camp will provide problem-solving & conflict resolution instruction, discipline, teambuilding exercises, day trips & meals.

TEXT-A-TIP PROGRAM ($12,000, 5-year program)

– Automated digital tip program allows community members to text anonymous tips to BPD with the use of a cellular or smart device. Currently service 2,000 police agencies.

REWARD MONEY FOR TIPS ($40,000, est.)

– A program is needed to incentivize the sharing of vital information from the public concerning violent crimes and illegal gun possession.

NATIONAL INTEGRATED BALLISTICS INFORMATION NETWORK (NIBN) PROGRAM ($162,000, est.)

– Technology developed by the U.S. Bureau of Arson, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Allows police agencies to perform automatic ballistic correlation of seized spend cartridges from crime scenes. Highly valuable and advanced technology for firearm violence.

GUN BUY BACK PROGRAM ($60,000, est)

– Has some measured success throughout the country, especially for community members who have no other outlet to responsibly and safely relieve themselves of possession guns they prefer not to have.

GUN LOCKER PURCHASE PROGRAM ($60,000, est)

– Would allow Bloomington residents to apply for gun locker vouchers to purchase at local retailers.
– Average approximately 56 seized stolen guns annually

2 MOBILE PUBLIC SAFETY TRAILER CAMERAS ($70,000, est)

– Use to deter crime at public gatherings and violent crime hotspots. Allows for real-time and recorded surveillance footage to further enhance BPD’s current network.

TETHERED/UNTETHERED UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAV)(DRONES) & TRAINING ($56,000, est)

– Deterrent of violent crime at public events, locate missing elderly/children, fugitive apprehension, hostage/barricaded subjects, & to collect evidence related to violent crimes & significant vehicle crashes.
– Many medium to large-sized police agencies have recently adopted this technology to improve public safety. Tethered UAVs can stay aloft for as long as needed providing situational overwatch, take evidentiary video/pictures and added safety to event attendees.

This article was originally published on Strangecornersofthought.com and has been updated.