How new technology has impacted Sikeston, Carbondale law enforcement

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – “Without ShotSpotter and that technology, this case would have never been possible.” 

The case of Antwan Davis, who was arrested on Monday after the Sikeston Department of Public Safety’s ShotSpotter technology detected gunshots. 

Capt. Jon Broom with Sikeston DPS said this arrest is a perfect example of what ShotSpotter is designed to do. 

“We got a dangerous weapon off the streets that was stolen, from a person who wasn’t even allowed to possess one in the beginning,” Broom said.

ShotSpotter is just one of the tools that has allowed law enforcement to be more efficient. 

Both Broom and Carbondale Police Chief Stan Reno said drones have become a valuable tool in locating missing people. 

“You’re able to deploy a drone and basically have the same capabilities with the drone that you could with an aircraft,” Broom said.

“The drones are a very effective tool for us to immediately begin to search an area, especially when it comes to locating a person,” Reno said.

And since July 2023, the Carbondale Police Department has utilized body worn cameras, which Reno said provide “an opportunity for us to see how the officers are performing and an opportunity for corrective action and training when needed, but also opportunities on a much more frequent basis, to acknowledge the great work they’re doing.” 

So, with all this new technology, is there still more room to grow? Broom said yes. 

“Five or ten years from now, we’ll probably continue to still be amazed at what we have out there.”