ShotSpotter aims to detect gunshots instantly. The ACLU says it’s ineffective.

WGBH televised a friendly debate between Tom Chittum, SoundThinking’s senior vice president of Forensic Services, and Kade Crockford, a director at the ACLU of Massachusetts. The impetus for the appearance stemmed from the ACLU’s recent advocacy efforts against ShotSpotter in the Boston-area, including the dissemination of several misleading and inaccurate statements about the technology. Over the course of 15 minutes, Tom pushed back on Crockford’s assertions by emphasizing the crucial role of ShotSpotter in law enforcement’s rapid response to gunfire incidents, especially in saving lives. He also addressed concerns about the technology’s deployment in minority communities and its efficacy in evidence collection in countless incidents.