Baltimore County Police Chief Sees Early Success with Gunshot Detection System

Baltimore County Police Chief Sees Early Success with Gunshot Detection System

Baltimore County Police Chief, Rob McCullough, expressed optimism about the early results of the ShotSpotter system, a gunshot detection technology being tested in the county. Speaking at a National Night Out event, Chief McCullough described the system as a valuable tool in their efforts to combat crime.

While he did not provide specific details about the successful cases or incidents where the technology was utilized, Chief McCullough emphasized that the system contributes to existing strategies employed by the police department. He highlighted the importance of combining various assets to effectively address crime in the county.

The ShotSpotter system works by utilizing acoustic monitors to detect the sound of gunfire and promptly alert law enforcement of the source within one minute. Police departments across the country have praised the system’s ability to improve response times, enabling officers to apprehend suspects, gather evidence, and locate witnesses more effectively.

Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski emphasized the need for tailored approaches to address crime in each locality, stating that they are closely monitoring the system’s effectiveness in the communities where it is deployed. He noted that while the city has continued using the ShotSpotter system, they are conducting their own trial in Baltimore County.

The pilot program will span two years and cover the Wilkens and Essex police precincts. These areas were specifically chosen due to the elevated levels of gun violence, particularly involving juveniles. The police department aims to evaluate the system’s accuracy, effectiveness in deterring crime, and impact on reducing police response times.

The ShotSpotter system in Baltimore County covers an area of 5.2 square miles and employs artificial intelligence technology and acoustic experts to filter out other noises, such as fireworks or car noises, ensuring accurate gunshot detection.

According to the ShotSpotter contract, the system boasts a 90% detection rate. However, concerns have been raised by the Baltimore County Public Defender’s Office about the false-positive rate, which is reported to be 0.5% according to analysis by consulting firm Edgeworth Economics.

The funding for the pilot program, totaling $738,000, has been sourced from federal funds. However, it is important to note that this figure does not include installation costs, forensic analysis on criminal cases, or connecting alerts to other public safety platforms.

In conclusion, the ShotSpotter system has shown early signs of success in Baltimore County, as indicated by Police Chief Rob McCullough. By leveraging this technology alongside existing crime-fighting strategies, law enforcement hopes to make significant progress in curbing gun violence and improving response times. The pilot program will continue in the Wilkens and Essex police precincts, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of the system’s effectiveness.