In an effort to address the persistent and complex issue of violence in their communities, many law enforcement agencies have begun using technologies that better inform them of firearm shootings and aid their investigations of such incidents. One such tool is gunshot detection technology (GDT), a system that uses a network of outdoor acoustic sensors to automatically detect, verify, and rapidly notify police dispatchers and officers of the specific times and locations of firearm discharges.

Urban researchers have conducted numerous studies that either directly evaluate the implementation and use of GDT, or use data created by GDT systems to better understand firearm violence.

Published Urban Products:

• Gunshot Detection Technology (Practitioner Guidebook)

  • Implementing gunshot detection technology: Recommendations for law enforcement and municipal partners.

• Everyday violence: Gunfire near DC schools (Tool)

• Close-Range Gunfire around DC Schools (Report)

• A Neighborhood-Level Analysis of the Economic Impact of Gun Violence (Report)

Journal Articles:

• Lawrence, D. S., La Vigne, N. G., Goff, M., & Thompson, P. S. (2019). Lessons learned implementing gunshot detection technology: Results of a process evaluation in three major cities. Justice Evaluation Journal, 1(2), 109-129.

• Shooting-related notifications and response times (Forthcoming)

• Impact of GDT on crimes and calls for service (Forthcoming)

• Cost-benefit analysis (Forthcoming)

Blog posts:

• Getting creative to research gun violence

Feature:

• Is Gun Violence Stunting Business Growth?

  • This feature used GDT data