# Police Departments Assess Gunshot Detection Systems

ShotSpotter, marketed by SoundThinking Inc., combines acoustic sensors, software, and human review to alert police to suspected gunfire. SoundThinking reported that the service operated in 173 cities as of March 31, 2026. Research cited in the signal suggests the system may improve the precision of response locations but has not established an overall reduction in gun violence, leaving cost, alert accuracy, operational outcomes, and community impacts as material factors for local agencies considering procurement or renewal.

- Municipal procurement teams should assess the service against documented operational needs, including alert accuracy and response-location precision, rather than treating deployment as evidence of reduced gun violence.
- Agencies evaluating a purchase or renewal should weigh costs alongside measurable response outcomes and potential community impacts.
- The reported 173-city footprint indicates an established market; contractors and competing suppliers should be prepared to address evidence of effectiveness and how their offerings support agencies’ operational objectives.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Emergency Response
**Published:** October 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- Police departments across the United States
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Office of Justice Programs (OJP)
- National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

### Vendors
- SoundThinking Inc. (Markets and provides ShotSpotter technology)

### Sources
- [ShotSpotter Technology: Police Departments Can Now Detect Gunshots - USA Herald](https://usaherald.com/shotspotter-technology-police-departments-can-now-detect-gunshots) - USA Herald