Traditionally, local law enforcement agencies have relied on street
interdiction to prevent gun violence. This is a dangerous task, it often
times puts the safety of the public and police officers at risk. The right
technology can decrease this risk. ShotSpotter®, a gunfire and weapons
detection system, which can identify the precise location of gunfire or
weapon fire to police within in seconds, thereby increase weapons related
arrests, save lives, and add to the safety of neighborhoods. YTD, MPD
officers have been dispatched to 25% more shots fired calls than last year
(Y04/3109 to Y05/3873).
MPD is interested in this technology to improve neighborhood safety and
provide the much needed tactical help to augment police officers efforts.
The system uses wireless sensors (approximately 8 sensors per square mile).
Anytime a gun shot is fired within the coverage area, notification would be
sent to MECC within 3-6 seconds. MECC would be equipped with either a
stand-alone or CAD integrated system which would sound an audible alarm and
show the location with address listed on a GIS map. The system can be
integrated with existing cameras or with new cameras which could be
purchased and installed separately. The system records a permanent audio
record of the gunfire event which can be used to enhance subsequent
investigations or in court. It is portable and expandable. If funded, the
initial installation of the system will cover four square miles of the high
crime areas. As most police technology, it requires "boots on the ground" ;
officers who will follow up and investigate with pinpoint precision, the
shots fired events.
Experience from other cities has demonstrated that ShotSpotter creates the
impression, if not the reality, that if you discharge a gun in the city you
will be caught by the police. The goal is to reduce indiscriminate gunfire,
reduce gunshot related injuries and deaths, and to increase arrests
associated illegal gun related activities. I currently working to secure
funding for this technology and plan to install it before summer 2006.
If you have further questions on this MPD project you can contact me off
list at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Gregory W. Reinhardt
Excelsior
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