Case Study: Cheyenne Police Department keeps Cheyenne Frontier Days visitors safe with V5 Systems' portable OnSound gunshot detection

World's Largest Rodeo Kept Visitors Safe By Adding Portable Security Technology

The Cheyenne Police Department faced the challenge of securing Cheyenne Frontier Days—the world’s largest outdoor rodeo with a record attendance of over 544,000 across 10 days—against the risk of an active shooter while operating with limited fixed power and a small-city budget. Seeking a mobile, rapid-response option to complement existing video surveillance, Lt. Terry Bell evaluated solutions from V5 Systems, including the OnSound Acoustic Gunshot Detection (GSL) system.

V5 Systems deployed self-powered, bullet-resistant OnSound GSL units and solar-equipped sensors that could be installed or moved in under 30 minutes and managed via the V5 Multi‑Sensor Management mobile app. Officers were trained in 30 minutes, received real-time text alerts and audio, and used precise GPS coordinates to coordinate responses; the 2018 event proceeded without incident, the system captured critical audio evidence, and the units—purchased with DHS grant funds—are slated for reuse across the state.

Cheyenne Police Department