SHOTSPOTTER SUCCESS STORY

Hot Springs Police Department Reduces Homicides by 53% with ShotSpotter

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CITY

HOT SPRINGS, AR

POPULATION

38,559

COVERAGE AREA

2 SQ. MI

PRODUCT USED

Rapid Response Enabled by Gunshot Detection Technology

CUSTOMER SINCE

2021

Situation

After calls reporting gunshots more than doubled between 2019-2020 and an officer died in the line of duty, the Hot Springs Police Department (HSPD) developed the Violent Crime Reduction Strategy for 2020-2021. As part of this initiative, the HSPD implemented ShotSpotter.

Results

Hot Springs Police Chief Chris Chapmond said that their department has seen significant returns on their investment in SoundThinking’s ShotSpotter gunshot detection system. GPS coordinates of the gunshot’s location are relayed to officers’ cell phones and mobile data terminals, putting them on the scene within minutes. “A lot of the time we will have officers on the scene before we even get information from dispatch,” said HSPD SWAT Operator Jjesus Anaya.

600

Gunshots Detected within 5 months of ShotSpotter implementation

53%

Reduction in Homicides

With the HSPD strategy working in tandem with SoundThinking technology, there was a reported 53% reduction in homicides in 2021 compared to 2020. A year after implementation, the HSPD is doubling its ShotSpotter coverage area based on the significant reduction in homicides and improved ability to detect and respond quickly to gunshots.

ShotSpotter is an extremely important aspect to our Violent Crime Reduction Strategy. This piece of technology allows us to respond faster, to a more precise location, and in a safer manner. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and it’s about a better way of policing.

CHRIS CHAPMOND

HSPD Chief

How ShotSpotter Benefits Hot Springs PD

SAVING LIVES

For gunshot wound victims, every second matters. ShotSpotter ensures that law enforcement and first responders are promptly notified of gunfire, reducing hospital transport times and saving lives

MODERN AND EFFECTIVE POLICING

Timely tactical information about gunshot incidents helps improve law enforcement’s effectiveness at the scene, during evidence collection, and during subsequent investigations.

STRONGER COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Reliable officer response provides an opportunity for positive community engagement, helping to increase trust with the community.

IMPROVED EVIDENCE COLLECTION

Knowing the precise location of gunfire helps the HSPD with evidence collection, as shell casings can be found in close proximity to the GPS coordinates. The casings are entered into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN), letting the department know whether the gun is connected to other crimes.