Fort Worth Police Unleash New Tech to Track Gunfire

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Fort Worth Police are deploying innovative gunshot detection technology to combat rising gunfire incidents. This new system, utilizing specialized microphones, triangulates the precise location of shots fired, enabling officers to respond more efficiently and gather crucial evidence. The technology aims to curb random gunfire and violent crime, particularly in high-incident neighborhoods.

Fort Worth Police Combat Gunfire with New Technology

Fort Worth Police Department has implemented a new gunshot detection technology to more effectively track and investigate gunfire incidents across the city. This advanced system is designed to pinpoint the exact location of shots fired, aiding officers in real-time response and evidence collection.

How the Technology Works

The new system employs strategically placed microphones that are specifically calibrated to detect the sound of gunfire. Once a gunshot is detected, the technology triangulates the sound’s origin, providing officers with a precise location. This allows for quicker dispatch and more accurate crime scene identification.

Microphones detect gunfire sounds.
System triangulates the exact location of shots fired.
Information is relayed to the Real Time Crime Center.

Impact on Investigations

Sgt. Joe Shipp of the Fort Worth Police Department highlights the technology’s utility in investigating mobile crimes, such as random drive-by shootings. Often, victims are unable to provide an exact starting point of an incident. The gunshot detectors allow police to go back and locate the original crime scene, facilitating the collection of critical evidence like shell casings.

Strategic Deployment and Concerns

The devices have been deployed in neighborhoods identified by city data as having the highest number of shots fired calls, with most incidents occurring between midnight and 3 a.m. Addressing privacy concerns, Sgt. Shipp assures the public that the microphones only activate upon detecting sounds perceived as gunfire, not general conversations. The technology is layered with existing camera systems and license plate readers to create a comprehensive crime-solving network.

Key Takeaways

Enhanced Response: The technology enables faster and more accurate responses to gunfire incidents.
Improved Evidence Collection: It helps locate crime scenes and collect crucial evidence, even for mobile crimes.
Strategic Placement: Devices are placed in high-incident areas to maximize effectiveness.
Privacy Assured: Microphones activate only for gunfire sounds, not general audio.
Integrated System: The technology works in conjunction with other police tools like cameras and license plate readers to solve crimes more efficiently.