City of Utica Activates ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection System

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UTICA, NY – On September 13, 2024, the City of Utica officially launched SoundThinking's ShotSpotter technology, a project that has been years in the making. This initiative was made possible through a partnership between the City of Utica, Oneida County, the Oneida County District Attorney's Office, and the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The Utica Police Department now has a two-square-mile coverage area in key neighborhoods to detect gun violence. The technology allows officers to respond instantly to gunshot alerts, aiming to arrive at the scene within moments, potentially saving lives. Studies show that over 80% of gunfire incidents go unreported to 911, and ShotSpotter's detection system is designed to identify outdoor gun violence that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Mayor Mike Galime praised the activation, stating, "The City of Utica has had eyes on ShotSpotter for years. Adding this level of integrated technology to our public safety capabilities is exactly what we need to increase the level of detail when investigating incidents of potential gun violence."

Chief Mark Williams emphasized the impact on public safety, saying, "This is another tool for our law enforcement officers to use to address gun violence in our community. It will give us the ability to respond to shots fired incidents quickly, increasing our likelihood of saving lives and finding evidence to solve these crimes."

District Attorney Todd Carville added, "ShotSpotter will enhance our ability to identify illegal gunfire, increase law enforcement response time, and aid in evidence collection, which is key to successful investigations, arrests, and prosecutions. We strive to reduce gun violence and make our community safer."

For more information on ShotSpotter technology, visit SoundThinking’s FAQ page: https://www.soundthinking.com/faqs/shotspotter-faqs/