A recent report from the Brooklyn Defenders paints a stark picture of the inefficiency of ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection technology, in New York City. The analysis, based on nine years of NYPD data, reveals that less than 1% of the system’s 75,000+ alerts since 2015 resulted in gun recovery or suspect identification in gun-related crimes.
The report, which utilizes NYPD’s own assessments of ShotSpotter alerts, found that only 16.57% of these alerts were actually gunfire. The vast majority were triggered by other loud noises, such as fireworks or construction. This echoes concerns raised by civil rights advocates and community groups about the technology’s over-reliance and potential for discriminatory policing, particularly in minority neighborhoods. Brooklyn Defenders Senior Policy Supervisor, Jackie Gosdigian, argues that the technology’s unreliability and high cost warrant discontinuation, advocating instead for investment in community-based programs and resources that address the root causes of violence.
New York City’s contract with SoundThinking, the company behind ShotSpotter, is due to expire this month, with the city having paid over $54 million for the technology. This significant expenditure coupled with the system’s low efficacy raises serious questions about the city’s continued investment in ShotSpotter.
This Brooklyn Defenders report, while the largest of its kind, aligns with other critical analyses of gunshot detection technology. A 2023 audit by the New York City Comptroller’s office found that only 13% of ShotSpotter alerts over an eight-month period were definitively linked to gunfire. The Comptroller’s office also recommended against contract renewal without improved oversight and accountability.
Similar findings emerged from a 2021 Chicago Office of Inspector General report, which linked only 9% of ShotSpotter alerts to gun crimes over 17 months. Consequently, Chicago terminated its contract with SoundThinking earlier this year.
SoundThinking disputes these findings, arguing that the absence of physical evidence doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of gunfire. They contend that perpetrators often remove shell casings, hindering evidence collection. The NYPD, echoing SoundThinking’s arguments, maintains that ShotSpotter is a crucial tool in combating gun violence and ensuring public safety. They affirm their commitment to evaluating technologies for the city’s safety but haven’t specified their plans regarding the expiring ShotSpotter contract.
In conclusion, despite the NYPD’s defense of ShotSpotter, the mounting evidence of its low effectiveness in multiple cities, including New York, raises serious concerns about its value as a public safety tool. The significant financial investment, coupled with the potential for biased policing, warrants a careful re-evaluation of the city’s approach to gun violence prevention. The expiring contract with SoundThinking presents an opportunity for New York City to prioritize alternative strategies that demonstrably improve community safety and well-being.
