SoundThinking Statement Regarding Comptroller Brad Lander’s Press Release on NYPD’s ShotSpotter Contract Registration

Yesterday afternoon, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander highlighted some issues related ShotSpotter’s contract renewal. This review is part of the Comptroller’s office normal review process. While we understand the importance of the Comptroller’s role in ensuring that any contract entered into by the City of New York is in the best interest of its residents, we take issue with his stated basis for doing so.

First, the Comptroller cites an optional fourth-year renewal clause as the basis for not registering the agreement. It is important to note that this optional extension clause was made at the specific request of NYPD. By including this in the proposed renewal agreement, SoundThinking was simply addressing the stated needs of NYPD, which has repeatedly affirmed the value that ShotSpotter delivers in keeping New Yorkers safe.

Second, the Comptroller’s statement references data included in his 2024 audit of ShotSpotter. After the Comptroller released his audit, NYPD issued a formal response disproving the statistics cited and allegations made. To continue referencing these mischaracterizations is to ignore the information provided by the law enforcement professionals who regularly tout ShotSpotter’s importance and efficacy.

Third, it is wholly incorrect to state that the ShotSpotter contract does not include performance standards and penalties for lack of performance. On the contrary, all of SoundThinking’s contracts for ShotSpotter with the City of New York—including the proposed renewal—contain stringent service level agreement (SLA) criteria with corresponding said financial penalties if not met. We welcome the accountability and are confident in the accuracy of our technology.

Ultimately, SoundThinking understands that the Comptroller’s decision is rooted in an easily reconcilable technicality that we are currently working to address with NYPD. It is important to note that in registering a contract, the Comptroller is not endorsing or approving prior decisions made by City agencies regarding the need for a good or service. Instead, the Comptroller’s office is certifying that the City followed all required procedural requisites. Toward that end, upon swift resolution of these technicalities, we are confident that the ShotSpotter executed renewal contract will be formally registered. NYPD has repeatedly affirmed the importance of ShotSpotter in keeping New Yorkers safe, and we look forward to continuing to serve the residents of the City of New York.