Investigation: ShotSpotter technology has "serious flaws"

ShotSpotter has 'serious flaws' in its technology that calls into question its effectiveness and value and undermines the company's marketing claims, according to an AP investigation.

Citing the mistaken arrest and imprisonment of Michael Williams, the investigation found ShotSpotter's system was unreliable, can miss live gunfire directly under its microphones, and may misclassify slamming doors, car backfires and firework sounds as gunshots. This led to a high rate of false positives, with police being dispatched to areas where no gunfire occurred, potentially resulting in unnecessary and dangerous encounters.

The report also highlighted concerns about the system's transparency. ShotSpotter's methodology has not been independently verified or peer-reviewed, raising questions about its use as evidence in criminal cases. Furthermore, the investigation noted instances where ShotSpotter analysts changed their initial assessments, sometimes at the request of law enforcement, which undermines the objectivity of the data.

Additionally, the report said the system is predominantly deployed in communities of colour, contributing to increased police presence and potentially exacerbating tensions in these areas. 

Critics argue that ShotSpotter's technology has not been proven to effectively reduce gun violence and that its deployment may lead to over-policing and civil rights violations. These findings have prompted calls for a reevaluation of the system's use and effectiveness in law enforcement.