The Little Rock Board of Directors is reconsidering the renewal of its contract with a company that operates the controversial gunshot detection technology ShotSpotter. During a recent meeting, the board fell short by one vote to renew the contract, but Ward 5 Director Lance Hines plans to bring it up for reconsideration in the coming weeks. The technology has faced criticism from civil rights groups for its cost and effectiveness at preventing gun violence, with some saying it leads to overpolicing in communities of color.
At the same meeting, the board approved a resolution for a one-year renewal of software subscription services with Insight for license plate readers, deciding not to add 30 additional cameras as initially planned. The resolution aims to clean up a previous agreement made in November. The board also deferred an ordinance that would eliminate the ability to attend board meetings virtually, with some directors opposing language that would require approval for virtual attendance due to medical reasons.
Additionally, the board approved property transactions between the city and the Clinton Foundation, allowing the foundation to expand its Little Rock campus to include property currently owned by Heifer International. The move was described as a “win-win-win situation” by At-Large Director Dean Kumpuris, with plans for the next phase of the Clinton Presidential Library and opportunities for housing and retail development in east Little Rock. Other agenda items approved included the purchase of garbage cans, evidence-management software for the LRPD, and new vests for officers.
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