If you have ever solved a large jigsaw puzzle, you know that there are many strategies to completion; start with the corners, look for repeated patterns, organize pieces by color, etc. Now imagine trying to strategize and solve the puzzle when many of the pieces are missing, and with every passing minute, more pieces may disappear (see last month’s post). This sort of challenge is all in a day’s work for Officers, Detectives, Crime Scene Investigators, and Lab Technicians, all of whom work together to bring the pieces of a crime together to create a timely solution.
This month’s post features two seemingly isolated incidents that were connected by agency personnel using ShotSpotter GLS data. In this instance, the ShotSpotter GLS was instrumental in the location of the missing pieces and probable resolution to both incidents.
At nearly midnight in a Midwest city, a drive-by shooting incident was detected and located by the city’s ShotSpotter GLS system.
Listen to the gunfire:
Approximately 45 minutes later, miles away from the previous incident, officers began a high-speed pursuit of a vehicle matching witness description of a car leaving the area of the drive-by shooting.
At the conclusion of the chase, officers were able to arrest the driver. A search of the vehicle turned up a 9mm pistol.
Looking to place the final pieces of the crime, Officers queried their ShotSpotter GLS system to determine the exact location of the drive-by shooting. This data lead officers within feet of the shooting, where they uncovered spent shell casings. This evidence was later confirmed by lab technicians as a match to the confiscated firearm, providing a probable solution to both incidents and a stronger case against the accused.
Location of the incident as shown on the ShotSpotter Public Safety Console (PSC)
Agencies nationwide are realizing the role of technology, including ShotSpotter Gunshot Location Systems, in their efforts to solve and prevent crimes, and ultimately improve the quality of life in their communities.
About the Success of the Month
Each month we feature an incident where a customer’s ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System played an integral role in removing a threat from our streets. The ShotSpotter GLS provides law enforcement with near real-time alerts, aggregated intelligence data, and forensic data that regularly lead to a successful arrests, weapons confiscations and prosecutions.
*Please note that some incident details have been altered to preserve both customer and public privacy.
You’ve no doubt heard the term “the first 48”, referring to the two days following a homicide when detectives are most likely to locate crucial leads and evidence. Police who respond to gunfire also focus on the first 48, but in their world, it’s in seconds. Simply put, the sooner that officers can arrive on scene, the greater chance that suspects will be captured, weapons will be confiscated, and crucial evidence will be collected.
In this month’s blog entry, we highlight a real-world example of how rapid police response assisted by ShotSpotter GLS data, lead to the arrest of three gang members and the confiscation of three illegal firearms.
In a west coast city, at approximately 2 am, police dispatch received a ShotSpotter GLS alert notifying them of multiple shots fired.
Listen to the gunfire:
A nearby officer was immediately dispatched to the scene and arrived in time to spot a car speeding recklessly around a corner. As the officer pursued the suspect, the driver attempted to flee across a bridge to a neighboring city. The officer, now assisted by back up, maintained close pursuit until the suspect’s vehicle eventually slammed into a curb blowing out the car tires. Immediately after crashing, three adult males exited the car and a foot chase ensued. Fortunately, a perimeter had been set up by members of six different police precincts, and the suspects had nowhere to run. Police apprehended the men who were later determined to be gang members. They were arrested and three illegal firearms were confiscated.
Location of the incident as shown on the ShotSpotter Public Safety Console (PSC)
Following the successful arrest of the suspects, police used ShotSpotter GLS data to return to the scene of the original shooting where they obtained bullet casings that will support prosecution efforts.
In the above situation, seconds truly mattered, as the rapid police response allowed the responding officer to witness the fleeing car, enabling an eventual capture of the suspects.
Had officers been dispatched from the lone 9-1-1 call, coming in a full minute after the ShotSpotter alert, the outcome could have been much different.
About the Success of the Month
Each month we feature an incident where a customer’s ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System played an integral role in removing a threat from our streets. The ShotSpotter GLS provides law enforcement with near real-time alerts, aggregated intelligence data, and forensic data that regularly lead to a successful arrests, weapons confiscations and prosecutions.
*Please note that some incident details have been altered to preserve both customer and public privacy.
Copyright 2010 ShotSpotter, Inc. All rights reserved.
ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System and the ShotSpotter logo are registered trademarks of ShotSpotter, Inc.
ShotSpotter GLS technology is protected by one or more issued U.S. and foreign patents, with other domestic and foreign patents pending.
