What's Next for Durham After ShotSpotter?

What's Next for Durham After ShotSpotter?

Mark-Anthony Middleton, mayor pro tem on the Durham City Council, on Tuesday issued a challenge to newly elected Mayor Leo Williams: Now that the city has decided to drop ShotSpotter, what takes its place?

Durham implemented the technology, which detected gunfire and alerted police, during a one-year pilot program. In December, Middleton and Williams were the only council members to vote in support of extending the contract.

Sheriff Clarence Birkhead on Dec. 22 issued a statement supporting ShotSpotter, which he noted posted more than 1,400 alerts that led to 23 arrests, the recovery of 21 guns, and discovery of 48 gunshot wounds.

“But these are only numbers, as data cannot measure the numbing pain gun violence leaves behind to the families of the victims and in the neighborhoods where it happens,” Birkhead said. “I have heard stories this year when shots have been fired and no one contacted 911 – leaving ShotSpotter to fill the gap to inform law enforcement to respond.”

He said the vote not to extend ShotSpotter’s contract sets back the ability to effectively address gun violence in the city.

“I am disappointed that the vocal minority was able to sway City Council to vote 4-2 not to continue using this tool,” he said. “I am disappointed that the voices of those suffering the plight of gun shots, gun violence, and the trauma of living in fear of being shot are largely being ignored.”

Opponents of the technology expressed concerns about increased surveillance in communities of color without tangible results or that funds should be spent elsewhere.

The Durham Police Department stated that it will continue to investigate gunshot reports and encouraged residents to contact 911 to report gunfire. Meanwhile, the Wilson Center for Justice at Duke University is working on an analysis of the ShotSpotter pilot program. Results will be presented to the City Council.

Toward the end of Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Williams responded to Middleton’s challenge by saying: “I don’t want to litigate things on our votes. What I want to say to the public is we are paying attention and being attentive to how things change in our community.”

He noted that the council would discuss the issue again in March for further debate.

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