Understanding Gunshot Reporting Discretion Using Acoustic Gunshot Detection in a Large, Western City

• In Event: The Efficacy of Gunshot Detection Systems in U.S. Cities

Abstract

It is well documented that many victims and witnesses do not report crimes to the police. Further, when gunshots are reported to police, the accuracy of citizen provided locations for gunshots is unknown. Acoustic gunshot detection systems provide a potential technological innovation for ensuring gunshots are reported and located precisely. However, the efficacy of gunshot detection systems still largely remains unknown. This presentation will overview an independent evaluation of gunshot reporting efficacy by a leading acoustic gunshot detection system in a large, Western city. Specifically, we compare gunshots reporting by citizens via calls for service to those identified by the acoustic gunshot detection system. We also assess the distance between the locations reported by citizens and the acoustic gunshot detection system for reporting events captured by both sources. The policy implications of the results will be discussed.

Authors

• Bradley Joseph O'Guinn, University of Cincinnati

• Cory P. Haberman, University of Cincinnati