Sacramento Police Call Shotspotter Trial Successful Enough To Try For A Year

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — After a month trial period, Sacramento Police say technology aimed at tracking shootings as they happen is already paying off.

The Sacramento Police Department will use the Shotspotter technology to help combat violent crime.

The system works through strategically placed monitoring devices played throughout communities that record gunshots. Before a 911 call comes in, officers can respond and pinpoint accuracy to where the shots were fired.

Sacramento Police say the technology has already lead to several arrests and the confiscation of illegal firearms.

"But on top of that we're also looking to take this technology and not only make it safer but really connect with our community," said Chief Sam Somers.

For Deshon Brown and his family, hearing gunfire in Del Paso Heights is almost a nightly event.

"It's sad when my wife and I can hear gunshots and say. That was six! That was nine," he said.

Sacramento Police say the city is paying $150,000 a year for the software subscription.