Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Public Safety Director to enter into a contract with SST, Inc. dba ShotSpotter to establish a gunfire detection, alert, and analysis pilot program. The department intends to deploy technology commonly known as ShotSpotter, a subscription based service that involves the installation of a gunfire sensor network in areas identified by the City. These sensors connect to a cloud-based data center infrastructure, providing a 24/7/365 gunfire monitoring service within a three (3) square-mile radius of the installed sensor infrastructure.
In addition to gunfire detection, the ShotSpotter service will notify law enforcement agencies of gunfire incidents and direct them to the precise location of illegal gunfire. The service also offers the capability to instantly notify officers of shootings in progress with real-time data delivered to dispatch officers, patrol cars, and smart phones. The alerts are intended to improve police response to incidents of gunfire, enhance officer safety, speed aid to victims, assist in investigations and the collection of evidence, and ultimately, the apprehension of dangerous offenders.
The data collected from this gunfire detection service can also be used to help prevent future crimes by informing law enforcement of prospective locations where gun related crimes are likely to occur. Agencies that have adopted ShotSpotter Technology as part of a comprehensive crime-reduction strategy have reported reductions in urban gunfire by up to 80 percent and related violent crime by as much as 40 percent. The gunfire detection system can also be integrated with existing City technology infrastructure to capture, layer, and share data across platforms.
This initial contract will establish a one (1) year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of the technology, and to measure how the system may aid law enforcement and improve response to incidents of gunfire. The results of the pilot will info...
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