WHEREAS, The New York Police Department has started using the ShotSpotter detection system to pinpoint the location of gunfire and send the information to law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, The system is used in several major cities including Washington, Boston, Oakland, San Francisco and Minneapolis, as well as smaller cities like East Chicago, Ind.; and
WHEREAS, It works by installing sensitive microphones around an area to pick up sounds from the street that might be gunfire, and uses the sensors to locate where the shots were fired. It then sends the information to the Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Law enforcement officials say the gunshot detection system will help them go after the bad guys because officers can respond more quickly to shootings thus, making neighborhoods safer; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE PHILADPLEHIA CITY COUNCIL, Hereby calls on the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on the ShotSpotter gunfire detection system and to explore how the system might be used in Philadelphia to reduce gun violence.
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