Combating Gun Violence in Uruguay: An Interview

This exclusive interview, recorded live at Expo Seguridad 2025 in Mexico City, features Uruguay’s former Minister of the Interior, Nicolás Martinelli, in conversation with SoundThinking SVP of Marketing Gregg Makuch. Together, they discuss how Montevideo implemented ShotSpotter technology to combat gun violence in Uruguay and improve community safety.  Martinelli presents a compelling case study on how technology can meaningfully enhance public safety.

Watch the video here:

Context and Background:

• Uruguay faced rising levels of gun-related violence, prompting the government to adopt innovative solutions.
• Montevideo deployed the AI‑based gunshot detection system ShotSpotter in late 2023, initially covering two neighborhoods.

Deployment & Scale-up:

• By late 2024, a formal three‑year contract was signed to double the coverage area across Montevideo.

The Results in 2024:

ShotSpotter yielded concrete, measurable outcomes:

• 2,492 gunshot alerts detected
• Only about 28% were reported to 9‑1‑1, showing the system uncovered incidents that would otherwise be invisible
• Police responded to 28 injured gunshot victims, ensuring faster medical intervention
• 27 firearms seized, 1,348 bullet casings collected
• Involved in vehicle seizures and three drug-related busts

Operational Integration:

ShotSpotter not only detects gunfire but connects with:

• Dispatch networks
• Surveillance camera infrastructure
• Patrol coordination systems
• AI-driven forensic and case management platforms

Reception & Vision:

• Martinelli characterizes ShotSpotter as a “game changer” for saving lives, enhancing evidence gathering, and community safety.
• Uruguay hopes to position Montevideo’s model as a scalable blueprint for other cities in Latin America dealing with gun violence.

Key Takeaways:

• Scalable success: Martinelli categorizes ShotSpotter as a “game changer” for saving lives, enhancing evidence gathering, and community safety.
• Uruguay hopes to position Montevideo’s model as a scalable blueprint for other cities in Latin America dealing with gun violence.

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