Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has declared a suspension of the implementation of gunshot detection equipment in Seattle, marking a pause in the ongoing debate over the controversial technology.
The decision is part of a more extensive initiative known as the “crime prevention technology pilot” by Harrell, which will involve the deployment of several other technological tools in the city. Among the newly announced equipment are the installation of closed-circuit cameras in key areas such as Aurora Avenue North, the downtown Third Avenue corridor, and the Chinatown International District. Additionally, the city will expand its automated license plate readers and introduce a “real-time crime center” that consolidates various data, dispatch, and camera feeds into a single map used by law enforcement to respond to incidents in real-time.
While each piece of technology has raised privacy concerns, it is the acoustic gunshot detection technology, known as ShotSpotter, that has sparked the most debate regarding its effectiveness and potential impact on local communities. The technology is designed to alert law enforcement whenever its microphones detect the sound of gunfire. Despite SoundThinking, the company behind ShotSpotter, claiming a 97% accuracy rate and being used in over 150 cities, it has faced criticism from high-profile figures such as the mayors of Houston and Chicago.
Mayor Harrell’s decision to shelve the gunshot location technology comes after receiving more specific cost estimates for the suite of technology. The mayor’s focus on prioritizing cameras and license plate readers has been informed by what his office describes as “a robust public engagement, research review, and cost analysis process.” The decision, according to Harrell’s spokesperson, Callie Craighead, is also based on available funding and aims to balance the need for action, expert advice, and the city’s budget reality.
Ralph Clark, CEO of SoundThinking, expressed disappointment at the decision but affirmed his respect for it, acknowledging the limitation of resources for cities. On the other hand, criminal justice reform-oriented groups, including the ACLU of Washington, have opposed the ShotSpotter technology, questioning its efficacy and expressing concerns about the broader expansion of the surveillance network without adequate checks and balances.
While the decision to shelve the gunshot detection technology is received with disappointment by its proponents, such as Victoria Beach, a public safety liaison with the Seattle Police Department, it reflects a careful consideration of the concerns raised and the potential impact of the technology on the community.