A gunshot detection system that went live Wednesday at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront promises to notify authorities of gunfire within seconds.
The technology, called ShotSpotter, alerts dispatchers automatically when it detects gunfire, potentially eliminating the need for someone to call 911.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said in a statement that “we expect the use of this new technology in Virginia Beach will assist the police and community in holding those engaged in gun violence accountable.”
Police are running the gunshot detection program on a trial basis, funded by ShotSpotter. A spokesperson for the department said they “fully anticipate” entering a formal contract with the company after the trial period.
With the sensors live, Virginia Beach police say they will respond to all reports of gunfire in the system’s coverage area. The acoustic sensors’ detection range covers 2 square miles, but city officials plan to expand the coverage area in coming months, based on historical crime data.
The first sensors cover an area ranging from the Rudee Loop, north to 42nd Street and west to Birdneck Road, according to a police spokesperson. Police won’t say where exactly the sensors are located.
Newport News is the only other city in Virginia to have the technology. A spokesperson for the city’s police department said that, within the past year, ShotSpotter allowed police to respond to two fatal shootings not reported to 911.
Here’s how it works: acoustic sensors in the coverage area capture and locate gunshot-like sounds, and algorithms determine whether the sound could be gunfire.
The audio is then examined by acoustic experts who can distinguish gunfire from other loud noises, such as fireworks or cars backfiring.
Experts are staffed at an all-hours incident center, where they listen to audio of potential gunshots, confirm whether the incident is gunfire and also ascertain additional information — such as whether there are multiple shooters. From there, the report is quickly sent off to dispatchers and patrol officers.
ShotSpotter claims that the process unfolds in less than 60 seconds.
Deploying the system is the city’s latest move to curb violence on the Oceanfront after two people were killed and eight injured March 26 in a night of violence.
Virginia Beach City Council voted unanimously in April to appropriate $1.87 million for a package of safety measures, including the gunshot detection technology. It set aside $240,000 for the detection system.
Surveillance cameras were installed last month along “The Block” — a popular nightlife destination between 20th and 22nd streets — and 53 more will be added soon. Police have also set up a satellite office in a space formerly occupied by a nightclub.
Ali Sullivan, ali.sullivan@virginiamedia.com
