COLUMBUS, Ohio — As U.S. cities grapple with gun violence, city leaders and law enforcement agencies have approached the issue in a myriad of ways, including investing in community-based organizations and nonprofits that focus on violence prevention efforts to address the root causes.
More than 170 law enforcement agencies have sought help in the form of ShotSpotter, according to SoundThinking, the California-based company that sells the technology. The gunshot detection system uses acoustic sensor microphones placed in designated areas to identify and locate gunfire and notify police within 60 seconds.
Many law enforcement agencies have praised ShotSpotter for cutting down response times to shooting scenes and getting aid to victims more quickly. Others later canceled their ShotSpotter contracts or chose not to renew them, citing a low confirmation of shootings, the cost, and its underwhelming effect on gun violence.
Eric L. Piza, Ph.D. 