This Costly Gunshot Surveillance System Used By Police Is A ‘Privacy Nightmare’

‘Across the United States, police departments receive data pertaining to possible local shootings from a company known as ShotSpotter.
The technology, which according to the company is used in “more than 90 cities across the country,” functions as a high-tech surveillance system. In order for a gunshot to be heard and registered, ShotSpotter uses a network of microphones fitted on street lamps, rooftops, and other elevated spots across crime-ridden areas.
ShotSpotter employees are on duty 24/7 in an office in San Francisco, monitoring the data collected by the several sensors spread across the country. According to the company’s Ralph A. Clark, “trained acoustic experts make the final determination” on whether the sound they are capturing is coming from a gunshot — and whether the police should be involved.’
Read more: This Costly Gunshot Surveillance System Used By Police Is A ‘Privacy Nightmare’