Using an array of small sensors in locations throughout the city, the ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System (GLS) can detect and locate gunshots in seconds automatically, enabling 911 personnel to dispatch Minneapolis police to the scene for a gunshot event. Police do not have to wait for the public to call in and report when a gunshot is heard.
" ShotSpotter's Gunshot Location System will reduce gunshot-related injuries and deaths, and allow officers to increase arrests and get illegal guns off the streets," said Minneapolis Chief of Police Timothy Dolan. The project was spearheaded by Minneapolis Police Inspector Scott Gerlicher, Precinct Commander, Third Precinct, in an effort to address the 22% increase over last year of incidents of police officers being dispatched to investigate shots fired. Until now, local law enforcement agencies have relied on traditional street interdiction to prevent gun violence. This is a dangerous task, as it often puts the safety of the public and police officers at risk.
"Minneapolis has chosen to be one of the first customers to deploy our newest wireless Metro GLS system which features our greatest sensitivity, accuracy and flexibility," stated Gregg Rowland, ShotSpotter's SVP of Sales and Marketing. "We are very excited about the impact our system will have on their crime reduction initiatives."
According to Gerlicher, "The project had strong community support. Experience from other cities where the ShotSpotter GLS is deployed has demonstrated that officers respond more quickly to incidents of reported gunfire, knowing that they are responding to an actual gunfire event."
Jana Metge, a citizen activist who lives in a neighborhood where ShotSpotter is being installed, commented, "It really instills hope in folks: we've been through a lot, living here these past 10 years 24-7."
The implementation will also allow public safety personnel to rapidly respond to homeland security crises, with information about the exact location of weapons discharges. Now the city can maximize the efforts of the police department and take the first step in revitalizing gun violence/crime-impacted neighborhoods by providing a safe environment and enhancing the livability of the whole community.
