Wilmington Police Department releases ShotSpotter report

A new report suggests new technology lead to a reduction of gunshots fired in the City of Wilmington.

On Monday, the Wilmington Police Department released its 2014 annual review of the ShotSpotter, a device used to detect gunfire and alert police.

The report linked the gunfire detection technology to a decrease in shooting incidents in some of the city’s high crime areas. According to ShotSpotter, there was an overall 42 percent decrease in gunfire.

“The ShotSpotter annual review is a positive indicator that the Wilmington Police Department continues to attack violent crime in the City of Wilmington,” Wilmington Mayor, Dennis P. Williams said.

In June 2014, the ShotSpotter technology was implemented in a three square mile area in Wilmington. Between June and December 2014 the police department was made aware of 231 illegal gunfire incidents.

From January to June 2015, in the same area of the city, ShotSpotter recorded only 135 gunfire incidents, 96 fewer shots than during the previous six months.

According to Williams, the “innovative” technology helps police to proactively address crime. Officials report ShotSpotter delivers real-time data to police dispatch centers and patrol cars.

“We continue to address violent crime through a multi-faceted approach that includes community engagement, partnerships with federal and state agencies, increased police presence and effective use of innovative technology like ShotSpotter,” said Wilmington Police Chief Bobby Cummings. “In conjunction with our other methods of policing, ShotSpotter allows us to quickly get on crime scenes faster and use the intelligence to apprehend violent offenders.”