We’ve been deriding the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system for years. It’s a hugely expensive technological “fix” that only fixes politicians’ need to be seen to be “doing something” about “gun violence.” Which is why you’ll find it in urban areas where “strict” gun control does even less to reduce firearms-related crime. The number of stories we’ve encountered where ShotSpotter led to the apprehension of a criminal is precisely zero. Last year, Oakland pulled the plug on the system, which cost the city – wait for it – $264k per year. And here’s an excellent example of ShotSpotter follies . . .
Two Brooklyn cops took a gun off the street with the help of the new ShotSpotter system — but it wasn’t the one that set off the alert, police sources said Monday.
I’m sorry. I’ve got to jump in here. Note to the stoutly, resolutely, relentlessly anti-gun nydailynews.com: HA!
The drama unfolded after someone fired about six bullets at 12:33 a.m. Sunday, gunfire that a ShotSpotter sensor pinpointed to 980 Linden Blvd. in East Flatbush.
Plainclothes officers Dalsh Veve and Joel Crooms responded.
On nearby Church Ave. a group of teens tried to get into the officers’ unmarked vehicle, apparently thinking it was a livery car, sources said.
When the teens realized their error, they ran off.
Police chased and grabbed two 15-year-old boys. One was observed handing a gun to his friend, who tossed into a patch of bushes, sources said.
Police recovered the weapon, a five-shot .38 cal. Taurus that had four bullets in the chamber.
But that gun was not the one used in the shooting moments earlier, sources said. Police were not able to locate ballistics evidence tied to the 12:33 a.m. gunfire.
“But because of ShotSpotter, we were able to get to the scene quick and get another gun,” a police source said. “And even though there were 911 calls, they came after the job was initiated by ShotSpotter.”
I wonder if the fact that the New York City ShotSpotter system costs city taxpayers $1.5m per year and was highly touted by Mayor De Blasio and Police Commissioner Bratton has anything to do with this transparent attempt to make the system the hero of this story of criminal malfeasance. And now, Ralph, you may comment.