Amid ongoing debate, Pittsburgh's ShotSpotter system has been found to quicken police response times, though it hasn't made a dent in overall crime rates. This is according to recent reports by the city controller's office. While the system, which uses sensors to detect the sound of gunfire, was introduced to reduce crime, a report by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests that its main benefit has been in enabling a swifter law enforcement presence at crime scenes as opposed to 911 call responses.
When comparing police response times, officers were found to reach ShotSpotter alerts in less than half the time it took them to respond to similar 911 calls, the report detailed. Implemented in 2014 and later expanded, ShotSpotter now covers about a third of the city. Even though the technology has been under scrutiny, with some critics pointing to potential racial bias and high costs, a 50% drop in 911 calls reporting gunfire suggests some positive impact on reporting efficiency. According to a WPXI report, the system is just as effective as 911 calls in producing results, whether that includes an arrest or other necessary reports.
However, the overall crime rates in Pittsburgh remain steadfast. The data doesn’t show a "significant reduction in overall crime levels," City Controller Rachael Heisler stated, per a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report, when assessing ShotSpotter's impact on crime. Throughout the system's operation, about $8.1 million has been spent by the city, raising concerns over its cost-efficiency and value in crime-fighting strategies.
The discussions about the effectiveness and value of the ShotSpotter system come as the city's contract with the managing company approaches its expiration. Several Pittsburgh City Council members believe in having more robust conversations before deciding on renewal, as the city spends roughly $1.2 million annually on the system.
As officials wrestle with decisions to renew, extend, or adjust the City's commitment to the ShotSpotter system, the public continues to weigh the balance of expedient police response against the tangible drop in crime.
