The Brookhaven Police Department is highlighting the success of its new gunshot detection system after it led to two arrests at a local apartment complex. The Flock Safety Raven Gunshot Detection System alerted officers to a gunfire incident earlier this month, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Police responded within four minutes and found a suspicious vehicle nearby. Body camera footage showed officers arresting two individuals inside the car, and a firearm and spent shell casings were found at the scene.
During the arrest, an officer can be heard instructing the occupants, "Keep your hands up in the air. Don't do anything crazy alright? The gun's on her side." The woman was charged with reckless conduct and loitering, while the man was charged with loitering and giving a false name. The Brookhaven Police Department stated in a Facebook post, "This incident underscores the effectiveness of technology in keeping Brookhaven safe. We want to remind everyone that firing guns in our community is both dangerous and illegal," as reported by FOX5 Atlanta.
Brookhaven Police gave WSB-TV an exclusive look at the Raven system, which uses sensors placed in areas with frequent "shots fired" reports. The technology has a 90 percent accuracy rate and can locate gunfire within 100 feet. In addition to the arrest, the system was also used in another incident where it led to a timely response and arrest of a man firing his weapon into the air.
As the year ends, Brookhaven Police are reminding residents about the dangers of celebratory gunfire. Lt. Ayana warned, "If you fire a gun into the air on New Year’s Eve you can expect to see the police respond to the exact location you fired that gun," in a statement obtained by WSB-TV. The Raven system can also distinguish between fireworks and sounds from street racing-style intersection takeovers. The department credits a $1.3 million grant from Governor Kemp’s community reduction program for helping to fund the technology, including additional security cameras and license plate readers.
