Cops say gunshot detector leads to arrest-Do we believe it?

[News Shooter]

This is from the Globe today

Police have made their first arrest directly linked to information from the department's new gunshot detection system, even though the $1.5 million network is still officially in testing mode.
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ShotSpotter detected shots on Nightingale Street in Mattapan on two separate occasions Sunday night and early Monday.

Officers later arrested Justin Searcy, 17, of Mattapan and charged him with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition after recovering a gun from the back deck of a house about a block from the scene.

"There have been several incidents where the technology has been helpful and has led officers precisely to the location of ballistics evidence," said police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll.

She said police were first alerted to trouble in the shooting death of Steven Odom, 13, Thursday when ShotSpotter picked up gunshots on Evans Street in Dorchester. But Monday was the first time gunshots detected by the system led to an arrest, she said.

 

[Adam_MA]

I'll be the first one to call BS!

 

[hminsky]

I'd like to see a follow up in the Globe, two years from now when the case maybe makes it to court and it's plead down to a misdemeanor or dismissed altogether or something. Or maybe the police have to pay the guy $20,000 for mussing his hair up while arresting him.

 

[Chris]

No no no, you are reading it wrong.

Up until now, police were unable to even find the right block after a shooting.

 

[b79holmes]

used in Iraq

I think I saw something like this very recently on the Military channel (or one of it's cousins) being used in Iraq.
One round from a sniper and they know direction & distance and don't have to wait to receive additional fire to identify the location of the shooter.
Must be something similar.
Bill

 

[Erebus]

Up until now, police were unable to even find the right block after a shooting.

That's still to be determined. They found a gun, doesn't mean it was the one doing the shooting.

So if the system says that shots were fired on your block do they get to run all over your property? Is it considered probable cause to search your property, home, shed, vehicles, etc?

How long does it take before units arrive after the shots are detected? How far can someone walk, run or drive in that time?

Seems to me I have read about 2 other major cities that have this system and it hasn't really accomplished squat. If I remember right it's record was worse than ballistics databases.

 

[dwarven1]

This was covered in the Shot Spotter thread already... and I still maintain that the fact that after the first set of shots they couldn't find anyone and they only arrested someone after the SECOND set of shots hours later shows that this system is just a way of finding the bodies sooner.

I think I saw something like this very recently on the Military channel (or one of it's cousins) being used in Iraq.

Nope, that's the Boomerang system, developed by BBN Technologies. A friend of mine worked on it.

U.S. Army Adds Sniper-Detection Capability to Land Warrior System
10:00a ET October 8, 2007 (PR NewsWire)
General Dynamics C4 Systems has received a task order from the U.S. Army to integrate BBN Technologies' "Boomerang" sniper-detection system with the Land Warrior system, enabling Land Warrior-equipped soldiers to identify and respond to a sniper's shot within seconds. The new capability, requested by Land Warrior-equipped troops serving in Iraq, improves soldiers' ability to detect and respond to enemy sniper fire.

The $250,000 task order funds integration and delivery of six sniper-detection systems to a Stryker Brigade Combat Team which is currently serving in Iraq. Initial deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2007. The task order is a modification to the Land Warrior contract awarded in 2003.

Land Warrior is an integrated ensemble worn by dismounted soldiers that greatly enhances their warfighting combat efficiency and reduces risk of fratricide.

Developed by Cambridge, Mass.-based BBN Technologies and integrated at the General Dynamics-sponsored EDGE(TM) Warrior Innovation Center in Scottsdale, the Boomerang system comprises a group of small microphones and a digital display. The system detects and analyzes the muzzle blast and shock wave from a speeding round to display the precise distance and direction of the sniper. Once delivered, Land Warrior soldiers will automatically receive sensor input in their digital displays.

Work is also ongoing in the EDGE Warrior Innovation Center to make size, weight and power improvements to the next generation system based on feedback from soldiers.

"This is what the EDGE Warrior Innovation Center is all about -- delivering new technology to soldiers quickly," said Richard Coupland, director of the EDGE(TM) Innovation Network. "In our first eight months of operation, the EDGE Warrior Team has developed and integrated multiple components and capabilities with the next generation of Land Warrior, reducing the system's weight to less than 7.3 pounds."

Mark Sherman, vice president, BBN Technologies, said, "BBN is pleased to support General Dynamics' initiative to integrate the latest life-saving technology into Land Warrior to enhance troop protection in the urban battlefields where snipers pose a constant threat. The ease of integration translates into rapid deployment and the ability to save more lives in urban operations."

Opened in December 2006, and with members representing customers, industry and academia, the EDGE Innovation Network was designed to reduce the development cycle time and cost for new warfighter technologies and capabilities. The EDGE enables an environment of collaboration between customers, industry and academic members with access to laboratory and test facilities. In just 10 months, more than 20 innovations have been successfully demonstrated to U.S. military and government customers. More information can be found online at http://www.EDGEWarrior.com.

General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 82,900 people worldwide and anticipates 2007 revenues of more than $27 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available online at http://www.generaldynamics.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics C4 Systems

 

[EddieCoyle]

My bulls**t detector went off when I read this in the Globe this morning.

 

[Ripach]

Seems to me I have read about 2 other major cities that have this system and it hasn't really accomplished squat. If I remember right it's record was worse than ballistics databases.

But doesn't it make you feel safer knowing the system is in place.

 

[Skald]

My bulls**t detector went off when I read this in the Globe this morning.

I have to turn mine off whenever I read the Globe or NY Times. I just look at the front page and it just overloads.

 

[MaverickNH]

I think I saw something like this very recently on the Military channel (or one of it's cousins) being used in Iraq.
One round from a sniper and they know direction & distance and don't have to wait to receive additional fire to identify the location of the shooter.
Must be something similar.
Bill

They just need to call in an air strike to take out the shooter's proximity in Boston, then the system will be useful.

 

[Another_David]

The police spokesperson would never admit that the ShotSpotter didn't work. Therefore, I have a hard time believing them when they say it does work. It's too political of an issue. Since they spent 1.5 mil of taxpayers money, they'll forever say it is a success.

 

[Gabe]

...that's the Boomerang system, developed by BBN Technologies....

More info on the Boomerang...sounds pretty slick...apparently it works!

http://www.bbn.com/products_and_services/boomerang/