On August 21, 2024, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), in partnership with CNA, hosted the webinar titled, "Gunshot Detection: Implementation Practices, Navigating Potential Controversies, and the Impact in the Courtroom." This webinar brought together practitioners, industry professionals, and academics to delve deeper into contemporary research on gunshot detection, the potential controversies on its use and the experiences from agencies that are implementing these technologies including benefits and lessons learned. The webinar provided actionable information for practitioners who are looking to deploy, expand or further leverage gunshot detection and want to stay informed of best practices and points of caution.
This webinar included discussion on:
- Recent research and criticism leveled against the technology, and the validity of recent criticism and how departments should leverage their data to respond to community concerns;
- Best practices and how gunshot detection can be leveraged alongside other practices and technologies; and
- The role of gunshot detection in prosecution, and the importance of case law and how it has been evolving and leading to clearer guidance of law enforcement practices. Our featured speakers included Dr. Dennis Mares, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville / author of the Problem-Oriented Policing guide on Gunshot Detection; Captain Amy Gauldin, Winston-Salem, North Carolina Police Department; and Thomas Chittum, Esq., industry expert and former Associate Deputy Director of the ATF.
This webinar is based on the SPI gunshot detection problem-oriented policing guide released last year.
Read more about gunshot detection systems including implementation and research here.
Slides and recording of this event are provided below.
