MURFREESBORO, TN – Advanced technology and strategic policing efforts are making Tennessee’s fastest-growing city safer than ever. The Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD), led by Chief Michael Bowen, has introduced enhanced safety measures, including the return of Zone 119, deployment of cutting-edge tech tools, and major successes through the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC).

Enhances Protection in Downtown Murfreesboro

The return of Zone 119 dedicates a specific work zone to City Hall, the downtown Square, the Judicial Building, and a two-block radius surrounding the historic district. Officers stationed in this zone are increasing visibility and response times to incidents, ensuring safety for residents, businesses, and visitors in the heart of Murfreesboro.

New Technology to Keep Residents and Businesses Safe

MPD has invested in two key technological advancements to improve policing efficiency:

• ICOR Robot – A tactical tool designed to safely handle potentially hazardous situations, protecting officers and civilians alike.
• Bounce Imaging Tactical Cameras – These provide officers with enhanced situational awareness, allowing them to assess dangerous environments before entering.

Additionally, gunfire detection systems are assisting officers in responding to incidents more quickly. On a recent WGNS broadcast, Chief Bowen explained that this technology distinguishes gunfire from other sounds, such as firecrackers, and pinpoints the location of the noise within 90 feet. This capability recently led officers directly to a crime scene, allowing them to make an arrest before any 911 call was placed.

Real Time Crime Center Leads to Hundreds of Arrests

MPD’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) is proving invaluable, contributing to hundreds of arrests, investigative leads, and warrants in 2024. 

License plate readers, in particular, have helped identify criminals and track suspects in real time, effectively removing dangerous individuals from Murfreesboro’s streets. Algorithms analyzing historical crime data also assist in identifying high-risk locations and allocating resources accordingly, ensuring proactive crime prevention.

Overall Crime Reduction Strengthens Community Safety

MPD has reported a reduction in all major crime categories, including homicides, as a result of these innovative strategies. Law enforcement officials emphasize that continued investment in technology-driven crime prevention will further strengthen security for local citizens and businesses.

With these advancements, Murfreesboro’s residents can feel increasingly confident that law enforcement is utilizing every available tool to keep their community safe.