Wired Magazine published a map of all ShotSpotter locations across the country over the weekend, based on a leaked report.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Wired Magazine published a map of all ShotSpotter locations across the country over the weekend, based on a leaked report.
This is a fairly dense network, with over 700 units reported throughout the city, but only in certain areas.
The International District, Downtown, North Valley, and West Side are all thoroughly covered. But people will notice that north of Montgomery Boulevard and Montaño Boulevard there is little reception.
KOB 4 spoke with Albuquerque Police Department leaders to try to confirm the accuracy of this map. But it turns out it can’t be done.
“Technically, we don’t know where all the sensors are. Well, we know that this accomplishes what we needed to accomplish, which is to accurately detect gunfire,” said APD. Public Information Officer Gilbert Gallegos said.
Gallegos said the department simply tells the company behind ShotSpotter where they want coverage. Since then, the company has gone out to install the sensors, so APD doesn’t even have a complete map of ShotSpotter’s location.
Gallegos said it appears more sensors are being installed in areas up and down Central because APD requested interviews based on crime data.
“This is based on data and where gun violence is taking place. The way we look at it, we’re not just looking at gun offenders, we’re also looking at victims of gun violence. So I think victims of gun violence deserve our attention and our investment in effective technology,” Gallegos said.
Gallegos said APD is very happy with the ShotSpotter program. Last year alone, he had more than 14,000 activations of his ShotSpotter across the city, or nearly 40 per day, according to APD data. Of these operations, officers located 78 suspects and also located 215 shooting victims.
Not everyone is happy, with Chicago city leaders calling for an end to the ShotSpotter program, arguing it is too large and ineffective.
According to the company’s website, it costs up to $90,000 a year to cover one square mile.
Gallegos suggested the program only works in Albuquerque because officers use it in conjunction with other technology in the field.
“Other municipalities have asked us if it’s worth it to turn the tide and increase the number of arrests, and we don’t think that way. I think in addition to the fact that we’re working together, we’re probably seeing greater benefits than other cities,” Gallegos said.
The state Legislature just approved an additional $500,000 to expand the ShotSpotter program, which is on top of the nearly $5 million already invested.
Gallegos said APD is most interested in installing more sensors in the Montgomery area and at Coronado Mall and Cottonwood Mall.
