Gunfire detectors could reduce London casualties in Paris-style terror attack

Posted by GLA Conservatives in News   Share2015

Dec
16

– ‘Soft targets’ like museums, shopping centres and stadiums should be equipped

Gunfire detectors should be installed in London’s museums, shopping centres and stadiums to shorten police response times in the event of a Paris-style attack, Kemi Badenoch will tell the Mayor of London today.

The inexpensive, smoke alarm-sized devices detect gunfire through sound and heat, and can cut emergency response times by alerting the appropriate authorities to a live incident in real time.

The US-trialled equipment costs between £13k and £65k, depending on the size of the building, and enables armed officers to track and follow gunmen during a terror attack .

Conservative London Assembly member Kemi Badenoch, spokesperson on police and crime, said:

“The current UK threat level indicates that a terror attack is ‘highly likely’, and London is an obvious target. Getting the most appropriate emergency response to the scene of an attack quickly can significantly reduce casualty numbers.We need to make sure we are fully prepared to deal with a Paris-style attack and gunfire detectors are a cost-effective solution that could save lives.”

Kemi Badenoch will be calling on Boris Johnson to reconsider a London-wide pilot at this week’s Mayor’s Question Time.