The latest expansion of ShotSpotter sensors covers parts of the Level Green and College Park communities, which are on the west side of Interstate 64 in the fourth precinct.
The city has lauded the technology, which they first began implementing in July 2021, for allowing police to respond to gunfire more quickly without relying as heavily on 911 calls. Since July 2021, 77% of police responses to gunfire — 1,232 incidents — have been the result of ShotSpotter detection, according to Virginia Beach.
Its use involves using crime data to strategically install acoustic sensors that pick up the sounds of gunshots. An algorithm then distinguishes that sound from similar noises like fireworks or a car backfiring. The audio recording is then analyzed by experts who send a report to law enforcement — all under 60 seconds, according to ShotSpotter.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said in a news release that the city has seen a 53% reduction in homicides using a gun compared to this time last year, along with 52% fewer shooting victims during that time frame.
“ShotSpotter continues to be a game-changer for our department,” Neudigate said. “It allows us to respond to gunfire incidents in real-time, often within seconds, which significantly reduces response times. This technology helps us better allocate our resources, protect communities, and gather critical evidence we might otherwise miss.”
It’s unclear how many sensors Virginia Beach has added to the 4th precinct.
Calls for additional resources to fight gun violence in Virginia Beach came following a series of shootings at the Oceanfront in spring 2021.
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