Victorville’s new gunshot-detecting technology has helped law enforcement respond to three gun-related cases that were not reported to 911, the city announced.
Roughly three weeks ago, the Inland Empire city activated ShotSpotter, a gunfire recognition technology that alerts law enforcement to where gunfire is located. It was deployed in what the city described as two neighborhoods “with the most gun-related calls for service.” Those communities were identified as Old Town/Midtown and Brentwood/Hook, according to the city.
“People don’t report gunshots when they happen,” city spokesperson Susan Jones said. “They only report 20% nationally. Gunshots go off and they don’t get reported to 911.”
Such was the case when the new tech helped the Victorville Police Department solve three firearm-related cases that weren’t reported to law enforcement. Jones said the alert helped police quickly react to the gunfire and find evidence at the scene, allowing officers to trace them.
“Within so many feet radius, it happens then they respond within minutes,” Jones said. “They catch people and get what they need like casings.”
The city entered an agreement with SoundThinking, a safety technology company that uses artificial intelligence to help law enforcement and security professionals. Victorville’s agreement with the company to use ShotSpotter will be for three years and cost $470,000. The city said it’s paying for the contract with Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funds.