Baton Rouge to Enhance City's Video Surveillance Project with Gunshot Location System

The Baton Rouge Metro Council has approved the integration of the ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System to enhance the city's existing video surveillance system.In its initial phase, the ShotSpotter GLS will monitor eight square miles of the City of Baton Rouge for gunfire activity, enhancing the existing and expanding camera and broadband wireless infrastructure. The integration will enable cameras to move and focus on the source of gunfire, and in the absence of camera coverage or 911 reports, the GLS will alert the police department of gunfire activity and collect important forensic information.

Spearheaded by mayor-president Melvin "Kip" Holden, the project marks Louisiana's first ShotSpotter GLS-camera integration and will allow city law enforcement agencies to better monitor and control areas of known criminal activity.

"I have repeatedly said our city will not be defined by those who choose to commit crimes. The words are backed up by the action we are undertaking to implement cutting-edge technology to deter crime," said mayor-president Holden. "We want those who would commit crimes to know our city is protected by technology that will assure they are caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In the event that we do have gunshots fired, it will help our law enforcement agencies respond more quickly, accurately and safely. As our city grows, it is important that we take steps to ensure the safety of our residents."

The ShotSpotter system currently supplies law enforcement agencies in over 20 major US cities with real-time notification of gunfire events including shooter location, whether the shooter is stationary or in-motion, and incident audio. Forensic evidence gathered by the ShotSpotter GLS has been successfully used for arrest and prosecution. In addition, the system has been attributed to reductions in gun-related crime, removing illegal guns from the streets, and saving the lives of citizens wounded by gunfire.

Integration of these technologies will be provided by NetMethods, Inc., ShotSpotter's integration partner in Louisiana. The project is scheduled for completion by year's end.