On Tuesday, June 2, 2015, as a part of the national effort to end gun violence and make our local communities safer, the Sacramento Police Department (SPD) is proud to be one of many organizations recognizing the first annual “National Gun Violence Awareness Day.”

This day honors the lives of more than 30,000 Americans killed each year by guns and the countless other lives impacted due to senseless acts of violence.

As a reminder, we would like to encourage legal gun owners to safely store and secure any and all firearms.  This year, through the month of May, the Sacramento Police Department has received over 200 reports of firearms that have been lost or stolen.  Most of the weapons were taken during day time residential burglaries and were not properly stored.

Through significant enforcement efforts in 2015 alone, SPD has already seized and recovered over 400 stolen or illegally possessed firearms. 

Earlier this year, we announced the acquisition of sophisticated technology that will enhance our ability to make our community safer called, ShotSpotter.  As we draw closer to its implementation, we are confident that it will play a major role in the effort to further reduce gun violence in our city.

The ShotSpotter system can accurately pinpoint a gunshot fired within a 25 meter radius of the actual location in less than 60 seconds.  It can also distinguish a gunshot sound from other similar sounds such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, or car backfires. 

The system instantly notifies officers of shootings in progress with real-time data delivered to dispatch centers, patrol cars and even smart phones.  Instant alerts enable first responders to aid victims, collect evidence and quickly apprehend armed and dangerous offenders.

Once again, the Sacramento Police Department continues to be committed to “Making Sacramento the Safest Big City in California.”  We encourage you to join us in the fight against gun violence.