The Sacramento Police Department is excited to announce the expansion of its use of the innovative ShotSpotter technology. This new area will include a partnership with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department.

 In 2015, the Department began utilizing ShotSpotter to reduce violent crime. The acoustic technology can accurately locate a gunshot fired within a particular area and quickly direct officers to the area to intervene and investigate.

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 can 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 of coverage in East Sacramento for expanded service.  Within this area, the jurisdictional boundaries between the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and the Police Department are closely intertwined and we look forward to this partnership with our local law enforcement partner.

The system was installed over the past few months and is now operational. This expansion of the ShotSpotter technology includes coverage within the Oak Park area.

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.