OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) — Oakland’s ShotSpotter system recorded more than 100 gunshots across the city in less than a week. Data released by the Oakland Police Department.
Between September 26 and October 2, OPD’s ShotSpotter technology reported 139 activations across the city. On average there are nearly 20 activations per day. The ShotSpotter system has recorded 5,853 activations in Auckland since the beginning of 2022. This is a 12% decrease from 2021 activations.
ShotSpotter technology works by using system sensors that detect gunshots through acoustic signatures. Multiple sensors throughout the city allow the system to determine the likelihood that the sound is a gunshot and record the precise location of the sound. If the system determines that the sound is likely to be a gunshot, it will share the recorded sound with a human analyst to make a final decision. If a shooting is determined, an alert will be issued, including the street address and the number of shots fired.
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According to the City of Oakland, ShotSpotter technology can save lives.
ShotSpotter is very effective. It allows police to know where the gunshots are coming from within seconds. This helps our officers find victims within minutes and provide them with assistance to increase their chances of survival. We recently expanded these capabilities in the city because it helps us understand where we need to go by telling us which areas are most affected by gun violence.
Auckland District 7 Town Hall
ShotSpotter activation in Auckland in September. 26 – October February 2022
- Zone 1 (West Auckland) – 19
- Zone 2 (Mosswood/Pill Hill) – 5
- District 3 (Merritt/Cleveland Heights) – 15
- Zone 4 (Fruitvale/Crestmont) – 29
- Zone 5 (Fairfax/Frick) – 26
- Zone 6 (Broadmore Zone) – 45
According to a shooting study conducted by the Brookings Institution using data from ShotSpotter technology, about 88 percent of shootings do not involve a 911 call. This delays treatment of potential victims and delays law enforcement investigations.