Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford is working to secure the funding to bring “ShotSpotter” to the Long Beach Police Department. The ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection and Location system utilizes sophisticated technology to detect gunfire in specified geographic locations.
“There have been many shootings recently in Long Beach’s North Park area, and I’ve seen the success that the Nassau County Police Department has had using ShotSpotter to identify the exact location of gunfire and the perpetrator using the gun,” said Legislator Ford.
Using mounted detectors and cameras, when gunfire occurs the system records the number of shots fired, whether the shooter was stationary or moving, and essential audio playback of the gunshot event. Additionally, the system’s video cameras pan to the area where shots were fired to record a license plate, a car, a face, or anything else that can help catch the suspect.
“The ShotSpotter System helps our officers respond faster and gives them a specific area to search for potential evidence, question witnesses, and in the event a victim is found, ensure that medical attention is timely. Most importantly, this system improves both the safety of the community at large and of our responding officers,” said Legislator Ford. “I am thrilled to be a part of bringing this program to our neighborhood.”
Legislator Ford and Nassau County are currently negotiating the terms of the program in order to implement the system as soon as possible.