ShotSpotter helps fight crime

Several cities (such as Springfield, Boston, Dorchester and Brockton) in Massachusetts use ShotSpotter technology to help fight crime. ShotSpotter is a system of audio devices that monitor an area to listen for gun shots. Once a shot is heard the police are notified via a gps system of where the shots were fired. Thanks to this program police are able to respond faster than waiting for a 911 call. When the police arrive to the location they have greater situational awareness and preparedness. Cities have seen an increase in illegal gun possession charges. Shotspotter provides expert gun shot analysts to provide detailed information to the police. The system also maintains a digital record of the sounds that can provide police forensic information about the shooting, data that can be used as evidence in a criminal trial.