An interdisciplinary examination of a gunshot detection system: The public health context of a policing technology

Abstract

Gun violence is a unique, preventable problem that contributes to a significant burden of healthcare and social costs, disability, and death in the United States. To address gun violence, several surveillance technologies have been implemented in municipalities across the US which are facilitating the collection of large amounts of data with the aim of reducing the occurrence of gun violence and responding to such incidences more quickly. One tool is ShotSpotter®, a popular acoustic gunshot detection system deployed by police departments. There are, however, research gaps about the concerns of using this technology and, to our knowledge, very little discussion about the implications and its effect on vulnerable groups exists. Accordingly, in this article, we argue against the use of technologies such as ShotSpotter as current data show inconsistent results in reducing violence. We also suggest the potential for harm from such surveillance technology should be cautiously weighed, as it could exceed the benefits of using such technology, thereby warranting further examination and research.