ShotSpotter
ShotSpotter is a gunfire detection system used by the Birmingham Police Department to provide rapid location data for gunfire in the city.
The system, which covers an area of over 6 square miles, uses a network of microphones and sophisticated software to distinguish gunfire from other noises and to triangulate the location so that officers can respond quickly. The inconspicuously-placed microphones are spaced at about 12 to 20 sensors per square mile, and, coupled with thermometers to calculate the speed of sound, can pinpoint the location of gunfire to within about 40 feet. The system also records data which can be used as evidence in prosecutions.
The equipment and software is supplied by ShotSpotter, Inc. of Mountain View, California and installed and supported by the South Carolina Research Authority.
The technology was one of the recommendations made by former Police Chief Annetta Nunn in 2006. It was touted by Mayor Bernard Kincaid in the 2007 State of the City address. Funding for the system was helped by a $1 million grant from the United States Department of Justice, spearheaded by Senator Richard Shelby.
The system was installed in late 2007 and was undergoing testing in December. The first arrest credited to the system was made on January 30, 2008 when James Rogers was arrested in the 200 block of 80th Street South for firing a weapon inside the city limits.
References
- "ShotSpotter Announces Contract with South Carolina Research Authority for Birmingham's Gunshot Location System." (May 1, 2007) press release. ShotSpotter, Inc.
- Norris, Toraine (December 18, 2007) "Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford plans to set up hidden cameras in high-crime areas." Birmingham News
- Norris, Toraine (January 30, 2008) "Police credit gunfire detection system in nabbing suspect." Birmingham News
External links
- ShotSpotter, Inc. website
- South Carolina Research Authority website
See also
- Operation Vulcan's Thunder (surveillance cameras)