Using Gunshot Detection: Where was ShotSpotter when I was a “Street Agent”?

Law enforcement has always been about using the training, tools, and experience you have on hand to keep the public safe and solve crimes. And with any tool or technology, some are better for certain circumstances, such ShotSpotter’s acoustic gunshot detection. Using gunshot detection technology has emerged as a sophisticated and significant technology advancement that leverages acoustic sensors and algorithms to detect and locate gunshots in real time. ShotSpotter alerts help first responders save lives, improve response times, and collect evidence for gun crime investigations to strengthen gun crime investigations and prosecution.

As a senior executive once responsible for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) flagship crime gun intelligence programs, like the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and eTrace, which trace the transactional history of crime guns, I believed that ShotSpotter could also deliver enormous public safety benefits in that same domain. So, when I retired in 2020, I went to work with SoundThinking and ShotSpotter as a Director of Customer Success.

Humble Beginnings

Founded in the mid-1990s, when Dr. Robert Showen, a physicist working at the Stanford Research Institute, had developed insight from his work on earthquakes, asking the question: could sound waves be used to detect and map gunshots? Almost the next decade was spent testing prototypes in pilot projects, developing marketing plans, and identifying investment partners for the acoustic gunfire detection product ShotSpotter.

In 2023, the company rebranded itself as SoundThinking to signal a more holistic approach to reducing firearm-related violence and crime while helping public safety protect their communities. The company retained the desire to help communities and positively impact public safety, leading to the addition of other technology solutions to assist law enforcement. Yet the thought process involved in developing ShotSpotter remains the same: What can we at SoundThinking, do to help public safety?

I Could Have Done Even More

I recently spoke with colleagues at SoundThinking about the tools available to me when I was working some of the most dangerous streets of Yakima, Los Angeles, Miami, San Juan, and St. Louis between 1990 and 2005. Back then, especially without the technology, we became good investigators. Making connections, doing research by hand, putting in the time, and doing the investigative work that gets your hands dirty.

ShotSpotter wasn’t one of the tools available back then, but it made me wonder how I would have used ShotSpotter if it had been available to me back in the day. I began thinking about all the ways technology like ShotSpotter would have made my job easier and better, then listed out all the uses when I thought ShotSpotter would have made a difference or helped me do my job better, both as a “street agent” and also as a senior executive. At the end of this exercise, I just kept thinking, “I know I could have done even more.”

The Tactical Uses: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

• Immediate Response to Gunfire

One of the primary advantages of ShotSpotter acoustic gunshot detection technology is its ability to provide immediate alerts when gunshots are detected. Acoustic sensors detect gunfire instantly and send precise location information to law enforcement agencies. Traditional methods of gunshot reporting rely on witnesses calling 9-1-1, which can be delayed and is often inaccurate. Moreover, research conducted in certain cities has confirmed the underreporting of unlawful gunfire.

Studies have also shown that police using acoustic gunshot technology, like ShotSpotter, are alerted to gunfire faster and more accurately than when 9-1-1 callers report gunfire. This rapid response capability allows police officers to arrive at the scene much faster, provide the on-scene delivery of lifesaving emergency medical assistance to shooting victims, gather evidence for use in gun crime investigations, and prevent further criminal activity.

• Enhanced Situational Awareness

ShotSpotter acoustic gunshot detection systems offer real-time data on gunfire and machine gun shots fired incidents, including the exact location, number of shots fired, and the precise time of the gunfire. This detailed information equips police officers and investigators with a clear understanding of the situation before they arrive. Enhanced situational awareness enables officers to approach the scene with the necessary caution and preparedness, reducing the risk of ambushes and ensuring their safety.

• Improved Crime Scene Management

Knowing the precise location of gunfire, the approximate location of the shooter and direction of fire, and the number and type of rounds fired helps police officers manage crime scenes more effectively. They can secure the affected area, conduct more efficient neighborhood canvases for potential witnesses and doorbell camera video, preserve evidence, and coordinate with other emergency services more efficiently. The pinpoint accuracy of ShotSpotter technology also aids in the collection of ballistic evidence for NIBIN and the recovery of illegal firearms, particularly at the scenes of fatal shootings, which can be crucial for investigations and prosecutions.

• Deterrence of Criminal Activity

The presence of ShotSpotter technology can act as a deterrent to criminals. Knowing that gunfire incidents are immediately detected and reported to law enforcement, potential offenders may think twice before engaging in violent activities. This deterrent effect contributes to a decrease in gun-related crimes and enhances public safety.

• Integration with Other Technologies

ShotSpotter systems can be integrated with other law enforcement technologies, such as surveillance cameras and license plate recognition systems. This integration allows for a comprehensive approach to crime detection and prevention. For example, when a gunshot is detected, nearby surveillance cameras can be automatically directed to the location, providing visual evidence and aiding in suspect identification.

• Collaboration with Other Agencies

ShotSpotter facilitates collaboration between law enforcement agencies and other emergency services. When gunfire is detected, alerts can be shared with fire departments, medical responders, and other relevant agencies. This coordinated response enhances the overall effectiveness of emergency services and ensures a comprehensive approach to public safety.

• Improved Investigative Support

The data collected by ShotSpotter can serve as valuable evidence in legal proceedings. Precise information on the timing, location, and sequence of gunfire incidents can support investigations and court cases. This evidence can help establish timelines, corroborate witness statements, and strengthen the prosecution’s case. By providing valuable leads and evidence, ShotSpotter can help increase the solvability of gun violence cases.

The Strategic Uses: The Bigger Picture

• Data-Driven Policing

ShotSpotter generates valuable data on gunfire incidents and “hot spots,” which can be analyzed to identify patterns and trends (e.g., times of day, repeated and retaliatory strikes, machinegun fire, etc.). Police departments can use this data to allocate resources more effectively, identify high-crime areas, and develop strategies to combat gun violence. Data-driven policing enhances the overall effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and contributes to community safety.

• Community Trust and Engagement

The deployment of ShotSpotter technology demonstrates a police department’s commitment to public safety and proactive crime response. By reducing response times and improving the accuracy of gunfire reporting, police officers can build trust within the community. ShotSpotter data can be used to inform community outreach efforts and address concerns about gun violence. Engaged and trusting communities are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement, providing valuable information and support.

• Resource Optimization

By accurately identifying and responding to gunfire incidents, police departments can optimize their resources. Acoustic gunshot detection technology helps reduce false alarms and unnecessary deployments, allowing officers to focus on genuine threats. Efficient resource utilization ensures that law enforcement efforts are directed where they are needed most and can be proactively deployed to areas experiencing higher levels of gun violence or to areas where gun violence is predicted based on current intelligence.

• Training and Preparedness

ShotSpotter technology provides police officers with opportunities for training and preparedness. Officers can participate in simulated gunfire scenarios to improve their response tactics and decision-making skills. Enhanced training contributes to better preparedness and more effective handling of real-life gunfire incidents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, during my time working cases as an ATF “Street Agent,” mostly with State and Local partners, ShotSpotter would have been another vital and proven crime gun intelligence tool in my crime-solving and prevention toolbox, which I would have come to depend upon.

As an ATF senior executive, I can see how ShotSpotter technology provides numerous benefits to police officers and investigators. It enhances their ability to respond to gunfire incidents more often, swiftly, and accurately, arriving closer to gunfire events and for more extended periods. By improving situational awareness, crime scene management, and data-driven policing, I could understand how this technology contributes to public safety and community trust.

ShotSpotter is only one tool in law enforcement’s modern toolbox. Integrating acoustic gunshot detection systems with other technologies further amplifies their effectiveness, making them vital tools for every agency. My one regret is that I never got to use ShotSpotter back in the day when I worked the most dangerous streets of Yakima, Los Angeles, Miami, San Juan, and St Louis—for ATF and the public we served.

There’d be no excuse for me not making full use of the ShotSpotter acoustic gunshot technology today.

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