Tuesday, August 14, 2012

CMPD Employs Latest Technology to Fight Crime

As of Monday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have implemented a new form of crime-fighting technology.

The system, called ShotSpotter, uses sensors placed on uptown buildings to pinpoint to precise location of shots fired within the city. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, the system can detect gunshots within a one mile radius and can be easily transported to other locations. ShotSpotter can not only determine where shots were fired, but also what kind of shots were fired as well as determine the difference between gunfire and firecrackers and other similar sounds.

Three to four sensors are placed within the I-277 loop, aimed at keeping Charlotte streets as safe as possible during the DNC, which takes place September 3-6.

City Council voted unanimously in July to try the new program. Charlotte will spend $50,000 to test the system for 1 year.