Gunshot Location System Provides Spot-On Protection

Gunshot location technology is providing a safety net for law enforcement agencies across the country, detecting, pinpointing and alerting police responders to the location of gunfire.

And ShotSpotter’s Gunshot Location System is providing more than just a detection system. In areas where the system has been deployed, law enforcement agencies are reporting a 60 to 80 percent reduction in gunfire and a 35 percent drop in violent crime. More than 680,000 residents across the United States live in the more than 100-square-miles of total area covered by the system.

ShotSpotter recently announced its 30th deployment of its technology in Nassau County, New York. The system provides near real-time notification of gunshot events with audio ID data. Other information, like detailed intelligence and forensic analysis of events, is provided for criminal prosecution and resource planning. The GLS also is designed to integrate with surveillance cameras, dispatching technologies and crime analysis tools.

In San Francisco, police officials said they have been pleased with the results from the system.

“The goal of the ShotSpotter GLS has been to accurately identify the amount of gunfire in San Francisco,” said Lt. Mikail Ali, a senior adviser in the San Francisco police department criminal justice office. “As of May, ShotSpotter sensors have detected and reported 221 percent more gunfire incidents than reported by citizens.”

Ali also said the technology is on average more than two minutes faster than a citizen reporting gunfire.

“I originally conceived of this technology as a tool to aid law enforcement in detecting and locating gunfire in a city near my home,” said ShotSpotter founder and chief scientist Robert Showen. “Seeing the ShotSpotter GLS go from an idea to a system deployed in 30 cities is quite satisfying and shows how useful this tool is to law enforcement agencies. We are proud of our accomplishments, and our growing workforce is quite dedicated to our mission of reducing urban gunfire.”

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    7 Ways You Can Secure a High-Traffic Commercial Security Gate  

    Your commercial security gate is one of your most powerful tools to keep thieves off your property. Without a security gate, your commercial perimeter security plan is all for nothing. Read Now

  • New Report Says Vulnerability Exploitation Boom Threatens Cybersecurity

    Verizon Business recently released the findings of its 17th-annual Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), which analyzed a record-high 30,458 security incidents and 10,626 confirmed breaches in 2023—a two-fold increase over 2022. Read Now

  • In The Clouds

    Video data storage in the cloud was a novel concept when Dean Drako founded Eagle Eye Networks back in 2012. While cloud was being used for almost all other business systems at that time, the physical security industry took a cautious and measured approach to cloud adoption. Read Now

  • Surveillance Cameras Provide Peace of Mind for New Florida Homeowners

    Managing a large estate is never easy. Tack on 2 acres of property and keeping track of the comings and goings of family and visitors becomes nearly impossible. Needless to say, the new owner of a $10 million spec home in Florida was eager for a simple way to monitor and manage his 15,000-square-foot residence, 2,800-square-foot clubhouse and expansive outdoor areas. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3