ShotSpotter Outlines Tips to Cool Down Illegal July 4th Celebratory Gunfire
June 20 2019 - 9:00AM
BBQs, parades and fireworks are some of the more traditional ways
Americans like to celebrate the Fourth of July, but unfortunately
the holiday has also become one of the busiest nights of the year
for illegal urban gunfire. The period from the evening of July 3 to
the morning of July 5 consistently has shown a spike for gunfire
incidents, making it the second busiest of the year behind the New
Year’s Eve period. To help communities and law enforcement curb
celebratory shooting, ShotSpotter (NASDAQ: SSTI), the leader
in solutions that help law enforcement officials identify, locate
and deter gun violence, today shared some proven strategies.
Celebratory gunfire is a very serious issue that has wounded
hundreds and killed dozens in recent years in the U.S. alone.
Deaths and injuries are reported and investigated every year when
people are struck, often fatally, by gunfire falling back to the
ground. Effective gunfire reduction strategies begin weeks in
advance and include analysis, planning and research. Working
together with community leaders, law enforcement can be better
prepared to address this type of illegal gunfire in their
cities.
Reduction Strategies for Law Enforcement
- Identify hot spot areas where celebratory gunfire was detected
in previous years.
- Have uniformed agency personnel visit each address on the list
and talk with residents. Some agencies bring along a community
member who has been previously injured by celebratory gunfire to
bring the seriousness of the issue home.
- Take the time to explain the dangers of celebratory gunfire and
tell of first-hand tragedies the local agency might have
experienced.
- Remind residents of the criminal consequences of celebratory
gunfire including the enforcement of a strict “no tolerance” policy
and aggressive prosecution of these cases.
- Assign special police units, or overtime cars, to hot spot
areas for quick response to gunfire alerts.
- Use social media to get the word out to the community and to
educate them on the dangers of celebratory gunfire and the
zero-tolerance policy.
- Hang door hangers (in multiple languages) in hot-spot
neighborhoods warning of the dangers of illegal celebratory gunfire
and how it is subject to arrest.
Strategies for Community Engagement
- Engage community and community leaders to be aware of the
dangers of celebratory gunfire and encourage them to report all
incidents.
- Increase police and special unit presence showing the community
that law enforcement is serious about curbing gunfire, which in
turn helps alert the community to proactive enforcing.
- Encourage media to report about the dangers of celebratory
gunfire and educate their audiences that this year law enforcement
will take an active role to catch and prosecute offenders.
“As we near the Fourth of July, we encourage folks to gather
with friends and family, to have fun, watch fireworks displays,
and/or take part in the use of safe fireworks. Safe fireworks are
those which do not leave the ground. As always, there will be a
temptation for some to discharge a firearm into the air,” said
Fresno Police Chief, Jerry Dyer. “It is important to know the
dangers associated with firing a gun into the air, and the
potential loss of life that may result. Through the use of
ShotSpotter technology we will once again be monitoring illegal
gunfire, responding timely, and making arrests when necessary.
We will also be following up after the fact on locations
where gunfire was detected. Please be responsible and have a
great Fourth of July.”
“Celebratory gunfire is not only reckless, but it is also
illegal,” said Ralph A. Clark, ShotSpotter CEO and President. “A
stray falling bullet can be just as dangerous as being shot
directly. It poses a danger to innocent bystanders, including
children. We think it is important to share some proven
strategies that have worked to help cities across the country to
reduce gunfire during these special holiday
periods.”
ShotSpotter data shows that when law enforcement agencies
implement steps to curtail celebratory gunfire, overall incidents
have been reduced. Additionally, effective actions undertaken by
law enforcement have included innovative policing strategies,
community engagement and the deployment of ShotSpotter.
About ShotSpotter Inc.ShotSpotter (NASDAQ:
SSTI) provides precision-policing solutions for law enforcement to
help deter gun violence and make cities, campuses and facilities
safer. The company’s flagship product, ShotSpotter® Flex™, is the
leading gunshot detection, location and forensic analysis system,
and is trusted by 100 cities. ShotSpotter® Missions™
(formerly HunchLab) uses artificial intelligence-driven analysis to
help strategically plan patrol missions and tactics for maximum
crime deterrence. ShotSpotter has been designated a Great Place to
Work® company.
For more media information for ShotSpotter, contact:
Liz Einbinder ShotSpotter, Inc. +1 (510) 794-3147
leinbinder@shotspotter.com
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