City Council to Hear ShotSpotter Review

The City Council is scheduled to receive a review of the City’s ShotSpotter system on Monday.

The gunshot detection technology uses a network of acoustic sensors to locate and alert police to the sound and location of gunfire.

After a gunshot occurs, the system’s sensors work instantly to triangulate the sound and pinpoint the location of the gunfire.

According to the manufacturer, trained ShotSpotter acoustic experts are on duty 24/7 to review and qualify all gunfire incidents. If the acoustic expert determines the sound to be actual gunfire, a detailed alert is sent to the local law enforcement agency. 

The review and alert occur within a minute or less of the actual gunfire event.

Nationwide, fewer than 20% of all gunshots are reported to 911 dispatchers. ShotSpotter technology eliminates the reliance on delayed and/or unreported calls and the immediate alerts should enable officers to mobilize and safely respond to the incident quickly.

The gunfire data can also provide investigating officers with detailed information to improve evidence collection, prosecution and overall crime-fighting efforts.

In October 2021, the City Council approved a $640,000, three-year contract for the software. At that time, police said the system could lead to faster response times, save lives and possibly deter shootings.

Residents opposing the technology have said it does not work and does not address issues that lead to crime.

Critics also point to research that said ShotSpotter produced low arrest numbers and is plagued by privacy issues.

The system has helped police respond more quickly to shootings — many of which are not reported by local residents — and arguably saved lives.

Last year, police received 109 alerts from the system. 

As of mid-June of this year, the system received 80 alerts — a monthly average increase of 70%.

Only 42 of those 80 shootings were reported via a 911 call, which means 78% of shootings were otherwise unreported.