Debate Arises on the Efficacy of ‘ShotSpotter’ in Crime Prevention
The effectiveness of the controversial crime-fighting tool, ‘ShotSpotter,’ is being called into question as Chicago announces they will not be renewing their contract. This decision has sparked discussions about the future of the program in Houston.
ShotSpotter is a technology installed in high-crime neighborhoods that detects the sound of gunshots and alerts law enforcement with an approximate location. However, critics like RoShawn Evans, co-founder of Pure Justice, question the accuracy of this tool. Evans argues that ShotSpotter can be triggered by innocent sounds like car backfires or fireworks, leading to wasted resources and potentially opening the door for discrimination and mass incarceration.
Evans also expresses concerns about innocent neighbors being profiled and arrested by police based on the alerts generated by ShotSpotter. He argues that the tool is mainly embedded in Black and brown communities, raising concerns about racial profiling.
On the other hand, Andy Kahan, director of victim services and advocacy for Crime Stoppers, supports ShotSpotter and believes it helps prevent crime and reduce police response times. Kahan argues that the technology provides instant notification to law enforcement, allowing them to proactively act instead of reactively relying on human witnesses who may be reluctant to get involved.
However, data analyzed by 13 Investigates shows that less than 5% of nearly 4,395 alerts between December 2020 and September 2022 resulted in an arrest. This statistic has led other cities, including Dayton, San Antonio, Charlotte, and New Orleans, to terminate their partnerships with ShotSpotter due to similar concerns and low arrest rates.
Chicago’s decision to end its $49 million contract after six years of using ShotSpotter may have been influenced by a fatal police shooting that occurred during a chase prompted by a ShotSpotter alert.
RoShawn Evans hopes that Houston will follow suit and end its contract with ShotSpotter. However, he acknowledges that Mayor John Whitmire’s recent appointment may indicate a shift towards a tougher stance on crime. Evans urges the city to focus on finding better ways to create safe communities by addressing issues like food insecurity, mental health, and housing.
Andy Kahan suggests that Houston should wait before making a decision on whether to continue using ShotSpotter, as the contract is still ongoing. He sees the technology as an enhancement tool for law enforcement, even if it is not a comprehensive solution.
The Houston Police Department did not respond to requests for comment on the matter, and Mayor John Whitmire’s office referred inquiries to Chief Troy Finner.
SoundThinking, the company behind ShotSpotter, did not provide specific answers about Houston but emphasized the positive impact the technology has had in Chicago by helping locate gunshot wound victims. The CEO, Ralph Clark, stressed the importance of ShotSpotter in saving lives and expressed gratitude for serving the citizens and families of Chicago.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Houston will follow Chicago’s lead or choose to continue utilizing ShotSpotter. The efficacy of the technology and its impact on communities of color will undoubtedly be key considerations in making this decision.
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