HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston Mayor John Whitmire says it’s time to end “ShotSpotter,” a gunshot detection tool that’s supposed to help fight crime.
Whitmire has said he is serious about making Houston safer but says this technology we’re paying for isn’t doing any good.
ABC13’s partners at the Houston Chronicle say Whitmire has plans to stop the $3.5 million ShotSpotter program. The gunshot detection technology is set up in some areas of the city and is supposed to alert police when it hears the sound of gunfire.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Future of ‘ShotSpotter’ brings mixed feelings on whether shooting detection tech helps combat crime
The current city contract with the company runs through January 2027.
The city told ABC13 that the discussion about the program came up during a budget workshop with the Houston Police Department on Tuesday.
“I think it’s a gimmick. A feel-good program,” Whitmire said. “Most law enforcement officers do not support ShotSpotter. I don’t support it.”
The city signed a five-year contract with the company in 2022, and there have been mixed reviews on if it’s working.
Some people are worried about its accuracy and say it could further strain police interactions with communities of color.
READ MORE: Houston city councilmember concerned ShotSpotter may disproportionately impact communities of color
“I watched a car backfire all the way up the block that could set off ShotSpotter,” RoShawn Evans with Pure Justice said. “I would love to see Houston next on the list to end the ShotSpotter contract.”
While people who support it say, it can help officers find gunshot victims and evidence.
According to data analyzed by 13 Investigates, less than 5% of nearly 4,400 ShotSpotter alerts between December 2020 and September 2022 actually resulted in an arrest.
Earlier this year, Chicago announced they would not be renewing their contract with ShotSpotter, and other cities, including Dayton, San Antonio, Charlotte, and New Orleans, have also terminated their partnerships with ShotSpotter after citing concerns.
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SEE PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
‘ShotSpotter’ not curbing violence and only delaying HPD response times, Houston Chronicle reports
1 person found wounded after ShotSpotter detects shots in northwest Houston, police say
13 Investigates: HPD’s technology can detect gunshots down to a home’s backyard
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