What type of data is collected by ShotSpotter sensors and can it overhear conversations?

The ShotSpotter system is designed to detect when, where and how many (rounds) of gunshots. Importantly, the gunshot alerts do not by design have the ability to discern anything about the who (identity) of the shooter.

ShotSpotter in no way records conversations. An independent audit conducted by the New York University Policing Project concluded that the risk of voice surveillance is extremely limited and ShotSpotter received unanimous approval from the San Francisco Privacy Commission. Here is their report. An ACLU investigation concurred.

Over the years, ShotSpotter has implemented numerous technical and process improvements to further minimize the chance for a human voice to be captured in the system and there is no direct access to extended audio pre- and post-incident by any parties.

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