Acoustic detectionShotSpotter expands to Midwest

Published 27 December 2011

Three cities in the Midwest recently announced plans to install gun-shot detecting systems; ShotSpotter, manufactured by SST Inc., has enabled law enforcement agencies in more than sixty cities across the country to know exactly when a shot is fired, where it came from, and how many

Three cities in the Midwest recently announcedplans to install gun-shot detecting systems.

ShotSpotter, manufactured by SST Inc., has enabled law enforcement agencies in more than sixty cities across the country to know exactly when a shot is fired, where it came from, and how many.

Most recently Flint, Michigan, Youngstown, Ohio, and Omaha, Nebraska, were added to the company’s growing list of clients.

The Youngstown Police Department has chosen to take a public approach, openly touting the technology with signs that read, ““If You Fire a Gun, We Will Find You.”
Meanwhile in Omaha, the police department is still testing its system with live-firing.

Using sensors fixed to buildings and poles along with GPS technology, ShotSpotter can automatically triangulate the source of gunshots. The software is even capable of identifying whether a shooter is stationary or moving and if so in what direction and speed.  It is also capable of distinguishing between multiple calibers and firearms as well as explosions.

The company is at work on a wearable gunshot detection system built into a vest that includes acoustic sensors, integrated GPS, and a display.

Other innovations include the incorporation of surveillance video so when gunshots are detected, video footage can also be recorded to help identify a potential suspect.