As of Saturday night, New York City police reported 182 non-fatal shootings in 2015 compared to 161 during the same time last year. And while police statistics show major crime is down seven percent overall, 66 people have been murdered this year compared to 54 in 2014. As a result, the NYPD is testing a gunfire tracking system known as ShotSpotter. The goal of the detection technology is to quicken officer response times to gunshot incidents. Multiple sensors work to detect the sound of gunshots and pinpoint exactly where the shots are fired. The NYPD is testing ShotSpotter in five three-square-mile areas in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Similar systems are already in use in Washington, DC, Newark, NJ, and Atlantic City, NJ. Mayor de Blasio said today, "Thanks to the NYPD, New York City continues to be the safest big city in the world." What do you say? Why do you think overall crime remains on the decline, but shootings and murders are up? Are you hopeful ShotSpotter will decrease response times? Does New York City feel like "the safest big city in the world" to you? What grade would you give Police Commissioner Bratton and Mayor de Blasio when it comes to crime?
Schiumo's Thoughts
This idea failed once already in New York City. And it's important to note, Bill Bratton sat on the board of ShotSpotter before taking over the NYPD. So it sounds like a technology worth exploring. But don't believe for a second the only purpose is to catch the bad guys.
Your Thoughts
DiBlasio actually thinks NYC is the safest city in the WORLD???? He has to be kidding. We actually rank 10 in a study in the Economist after Tokyo, Singapore, Stolkholm and Osaka to name a few, and 28th for personal safety by The Telegraph. What about all the Norwegian Countries? Canada? You never hear of these places going through the outrageous things that happen here in NYC; gang shootings, drug problems, rape, disrespect in general for the public. We need to clean up our city. We're too lax.
Ivette, Jackson Heights, NY
Stop & Frisk is a nice concept when it is used fairly. However, it is no good in NYC because only peoples of color are targeted. It's always interesting to hear how the people who are never targeted believe whole-heartedly in it. This new technology is a better solution.
Adio, Far Rockaway
I'm a professional sound engineer and I fully support this implementation. Technology is getting smarter and faster: soundwave recognition and triangulation will deter false alarms and make for accurate location of where shots are fired. It seems people are willing to jump on this mayor for any idea, even a good one: we don't have to worry about Miami Vice being played loudly, and every recent NYC mayor has taken credit for the advances in crime prevention started by previous mayors. Take a breath and give this technology a chance.
Jay, Sunnyside
The NYPD commissioner is right when he says we need more police officers. But more police officers along will not fix the problems we have in the city right now. You don't see it but there a lot of people carrying guns now because they know the police will not stop and frisk them. Cops are scare to do their job because they don't have support from city hall. Hopefully I'm wrong but I think this will be a very bloody summer in our city. We have to let the police do their job without any political output. Bring back stop and frisk.
Anthony from Harlem
Anything that could alert police officers of shootings in any neighborhood is good. It could save lives, and get police officers to the area quickly. When there are shootings, innocent people get shot, getting officers there quickly is good.
Linda, East Harlem
The Shots Fired system seems to be a good idea if it works properly, but as mentioned in the beginning of the program something has to be done about illegal guns coming into the state through the interstate. Between the mayor and the governor why can't they work on this for real change.
Dee, Harlem
John,
What happened to getting body cameras for the cops? They’re much more important than this gunshot gimmick.
Michael in Greenpoint
Two things:
1. Will ear witnesses be less likely to dial 911 now, if they think technology is replacing them?
2. Can we expect an increase in the usage of silencers in the Bronx and Brooklyn?
Mark in Boerum Hill
Hopefully I will remember not to keep my TV volume too loud while watching Miami Vice. Bang!!! BANG!!! These sensors are ripe for abuse. NYPD and the clueless Mayor want to rely way too much on technology. We need more beat cops to get there asses out of the patrol cars and off their cell phones and walk and talk to the citizens on the streets.
Marc, Tribeca
The NYPD's investment Shot Spotter is money very well spent. I applaud this move by the administration, I wish it will be found successful and welcome its expansion.
Sean from Manhattan.
This is a very encouraging development that perfectly illustrates how our police force can learn to fight crime other than through indiscriminately searching its citizens. Hopefully it is the first of many new initiatives to engage in more targeted, effective policing now that stop and frisk is a thing of the past.
Will from the East Village.
Why has it taken so LONG ! California has been using similar technology for years
Mark
DIblasio is leading the city down a dangerous path. He along with the speaker of the council, Williams, and the rest of the socialists are finishing off this once great city. Look at the roads, murder rate, school system, sole source contracts, and corruption. Wake up.
Roscoe, Park Hill
John,
Just another report on the failure of the NYPD. They don't know how to respond to reports of crime and they cover up all of their failures.
Joe, Port Richmond
I favor implementing the ShotSpotter technology anything help, I would favour to flood problem areas with cops on foot patrol return otherwise spoiled sissy cops to search for guns and illegal items, get them out of their cars from their comfort zones.
Joco from Sunnyside
Hi John,
I hope this new technology works from the start because the city should be free of crime. The Mayor and Police Commissioner get a "A" for keeping crime down, but the public have to help if they see a crime say something, if they see teenagers fighting don't stand around with their phone cams videotaping so they can put it on the internet try and stop it. That's the only way crime is going to stay down, Mayor De Blasio have to open more Community centers for the teens to keep busy so they'll stay out of trouble.
Herman, Upper West Side
Hi John;
I'm sure Bratton's only interest in ShotSpotter is the kickback he is guaranteed to get. Bring back Ray Kellly.
Kate, Midtown East
ShotSpotter sounds like a promising tool to combat gun violence, but the issue of gun violence will not subside until we control the number of illegal guns coming from states with lax gun laws.
Felix, Bay Ridge
Gunfire tracking system being a good system but will NOT prevent a gun fire. It is outrageous that De Blasio stopped stop-and - frisk program. Why would someone care if they get searched if she/he is not carrying a gun. Search can minimize guns on the streets; De Blasio is going to destroy what our previous mayors worked so hard and successful to build in terms of safety and crime reduction. People should be very worried for their safely on the streets and subways of NYC. Police is afraid and reluctant to get involved for the fear of their lives as well as punishment.
Bella