FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PITTSBURGH, PA – The City of Pittsburgh Public Safety Department Bureau of Police in conjunction with contractor SST Inc. will be conducting a live-fire event to test
the installed ShotSpotter system during the second half of December.
The tests will assess the system’s quality of detection and identify any additional issues that need to be addressed prior to fully implementing the system in the Zone
5 neighborhood of Homewood. The ShotSpotter system is not considered operational until the successful completion the live-fire event.
The Bureau is in ongoing discussions with the Allegheny County 911 Center regarding implementation of the ShotSpotter system. Zone 5 Desk Officers will be trained in
how to use the system as well as those from neighboring Zone 4, in the case there is a need for back up support.
Residents who live in the area where the test will be notified via letter. The text of the letter is below for your convenience.
This live-fire event is not open to the media as a result of security and safety concerns.
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Dear Resident:
There is no need to be alarmed. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will be conducting a live-fire gunshot event to test the ShotSpotter system during the second
half of December.
For your background, Pittsburgh City Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess successfully advocated for ShotSpotter to be used in Homewood. The new technology uses
a network of acoustic sensors to detect when a gun is fired and then precisely and quickly pinpoints the location of the gunfire. By swiftly notifying police with the precise information, ShotSpotter helps speed police response, has the potential to save lives,
increases weapons-related arrests, and enhances the safety of our neighborhoods. Zone 5 Commander Timothy O’Connor also believes ShotSpotter will be a helpful, crime-fighting tool.
The purpose of this live-fire event is to assess the system’s quality of detection and to identify any additional issues that need to be addressed prior to
fully utilizing the system.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is taking every precaution to conduct controlled and safe tests. We appreciate your patience as we test the system.
Thank you,
Michael H. Huss
Deputy Director
Public Safety Department
City of Pittsburgh
