Grier Heights to get gunshot detection system

By Cameron Steele
csteele@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are installing specialized gunshot detection sensors in the Grier Heights neighborhood as part of their plan to expand the high-tech crime-fighting tool into troubled communities.

The ShotSpotter system uses a network of microphones activated by gunfire to quickly send officers to potential shooting scenes, even if no one calls 911. Police originally bought the system to cover two square miles in uptown Charlotte as they ramped up security for the Democratic National Convention last year.

Grier Heights is the first of several places outside of the center city where police hope to use the technology. The move is part of the department’s plans for enhanced digital surveillance of the city’s streets and residents in the wake of a 2.8 percent increase in overall crime in 2012.

“A critical goal of the CMPD is ridding our community of violent offenders,” Deputy Chief Doug Gallant said in an emailed statement. “We expect ShotSpotter along with other technology the department uses and solid policing to assist the CMPD with that effort.” ...

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/02/16/3859746/grier-heights-to-get-gunshot-detection.html