SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – In a departure from the recent trend of cities severing ties with ShotSpotter systems, Syracuse has opted to continue its partnership with the gunshot detection technology. Citing its effectiveness, Syracuse police officials maintain that the system, which carries an annual price tag of approximately $390,000, has yielded positive results in the city.
First Deputy Chief Richard Shoff Jr. reports a notable increase of 35% in both shots fired calls and recovered evidence since the system’s implementation. Shoff suggests this indicates previously unreported incidents involving firearms.
During a recent Common Council committee meeting, Shoff praised the accuracy of the technology, stating, “Their technology is pretty good,” in reference to SoundThinking, the California-based company behind the system, which boasts a 97% accuracy rate in detecting gunshots.
This decision to renew the contract contrasts with actions taken by other municipalities. Cities such as Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; and San Antonio, Texas, have all opted to terminate their agreements with ShotSpotter for various reasons.
Chicago’s Mayor announced the cessation of the city’s utilization of ShotSpotter following a report from a city government watchdog revealing that only 9% of the system’s alerts led to evidence of gun-related crimes.
