The Santa Fe City Council approved the installation of ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology in two neighborhoods late Wednesday, according to reports from KRQE News 13.
The decision follows a period of debate regarding the efficacy and potential drawbacks of such systems. The technology, which uses sensors to pinpoint the location of gunfire, is intended to improve response times for law enforcement and aid in investigations.
KRQE News 13 reported that the installation will cover specific areas within Santa Fe, though the precise boundaries were not immediately detailed. The move comes as cities across the country grapple with rising gun violence and explore various technological solutions.
Albuquerque, similarly in New Mexico, has previously deployed ShotSpotter. A 2022 report by KRQE News 13 indicated that the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) considered the system a “great addition,” citing its assistance in numerous investigations. The APD stated that ShotSpotter alerts officers to the location of gunfire within seconds.
However, the use of ShotSpotter is not without controversy. In February 2024, leaked data revealed ShotSpotter locations within Albuquerque, prompting scrutiny regarding data privacy and potential biases in deployment, as reported by KRQE and highlighted on YouTube by KRQE News 13.
The Santa Fe City Council’s approval initiates the process of implementing the technology, including sensor placement and integration with existing emergency response systems. Further details regarding the rollout schedule and specific operational parameters are expected to be released by the city in the coming weeks.
