Sound Advice 
Volume 11, Issue 1, 2008

Acousti-Cop Cuts Down Crime 

There’s a new acoustical product appearing in our cities that could have a far-reaching, positive impact in the number of shooting-related incidents that occur. An ingenious combination of sound sensor, GPS equipment and alarm, the ShotSpotter is helping law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. To set up the system, special sound sensors are installed throughout a given geographical area, typically a neighborhood with a high crime rate.

Whenever a gun is discharged, the sensors pick up its distinct acoustical signal and triangulate the acoustic data to pinpoint where the gun was fired. Using its built-in GPS system, the ShotSpotter is able to highly accurately calculate the gun’s firing position. Immediately, the location of the shooting is relayed to a law enforcement agency’s dispatch center and, through them, to a police or peace officer who can be on the scene within minutes. The ShotSpotter system has reportedly been extremely effective in decreasing the number of gun discharges in the areas where it’s been installed.

A military version of the device is also in development, It can be used either as a soldier-worn, truck-mounted, or fixed installation. For more information, visit www.shotspotter.com.

« Back to Archived Sound Advice Articles