Board approves IRS contract for Iris Stephanie's smart policing platform

The City Council of Indianapolis convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal regarding a new contract aimed at enhancing policing efficiency through technology. The board reviewed a request for approval of a license and service agreement with a company referred to as IRS, which is set to be funded entirely by a smart policing grant.

The proposed contract, amounting to $118,009.91, will last for one year, beginning on the go-live date of the service. The initiative is part of a broader effort to identify and implement efficiencies within the police department, particularly in light of recent declines in performance metrics.

During the meeting, a council member acknowledged their limited understanding of the specific functionalities of the IRS platform but described it as a web-based system designed to streamline policing operations. The contract includes an assessment period to evaluate the department's needs, followed by system configuration, training, and eventual rollout of the platform.

Looking ahead, the council member noted that while the initial funding comes from the smart policing grant, future subscription fees for the service may need to be covered by general funds. This highlights the ongoing commitment to improving public safety through innovative solutions, even as details about the platform's capabilities remain somewhat unclear.

The council's approval of this contract marks a step towards modernizing the police department's operations and enhancing service delivery to the community. Further discussions and updates on the implementation of the platform are expected in future meetings.