The Sacramento Police Department is now utilizing an innovative acoustic technology to reduce violent crime. The sophisticated technology is called ShotSpotter and can accurately locate a gunshot fired within a particular area.

A firearm produces a distinct noise signature; the system has the ability to distinguish gunfire from other similar sounds such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, or car backfires.  The program will greatly improve emergency response times, enhance community safety, and help direct valuable resources where they are needed most.

The Sacramento Police Department has identified an undisclosed three square mile area in North Sacramento as the pilot area for this project.  The system was installed over the past few months, and will be deployed in this area for the remainder of a one-year trial period.

The system instantly notifies officers of the locations of gunfire 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.

How ShotSpotter works:

·         A gun is fired making a distinct sound that can be easily detected.

·         Multiple ShotSpotter sensors throughout the coverage area are triggered.

·         ShotSpotter Software Review Center analyzes the data and has the ability to pinpoint a location up to 25 feet.

·         Information is received by officers in the field and dispatch simultaneously; dispatchers then work to coordinate responding officers to the area using either ShotSpotter software or the 9-1-1 system.

·         Within minutes, officers arrive at precisely the right location, fully aware of the situation before they get there.

It’s working! Since the program came online in mid-June, it has been extremely successful:

1)    15-183722 (Shots Fired) 3000 block of Rio Linda Boulevard

On Tuesday, June 30, 2015, an officer was working patrol and was dispatched to the location regarding a report of gunfire and a ShotSpotter activation.  Upon arrival, the officer stopped a vehicle leaving the area of the activation and made contact with multiple occupants.  During a search of the car, a shell casing, a box of ammunition, and two handguns were found.  Additional officers responded to the actual location of the activation and found more shell casings that appeared consistent with the ammunition discovered during the vehicle stop.  Overall, two men were arrested for various charges and believed to be responsible for the crimes.  One additional woman was arrested for outstanding warrants.

2)    15-193398 (Shots Fired) 1100 block of Jean Avenue

On Wednesday, July 8, 2015, officers responded to the residence regarding a report of gunfire and a ShotSpotter activation.  Officers quickly arrived at the location and made contact with residents who consented to a search.  During the search, officers found shell casings in the rear yard and two handguns in the garage.  Crime Scene investigators responded to photograph the scene, a crime report was generated, and no arrests were made at the time.

With ShotSpotter technology and the increase of community partnerships dedicated to crime reduction, the Sacramento Police Department is committed to “Making Sacramento the Safest Big City in California.”