Massachusetts police leaders support ShotSpotter amid criticism

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Eleven Massachusetts law enforcement leaders have written a letter in support of shotspotter, following claims against the technology from four members of Congress back in May.

On May 14th Senators Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and Ron Wyden, along with Representative Ayanna Pressley sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, urging it to investigate federal funding of shotspotter.

Much of the Baystate’s law enforcement is backing the tech’s accuracy, effectiveness, and value. The initial letter signed by the four lawmakers says that Shotspotter contributes to over-policing in Black and Latino communities and calls into question the technology’s accuracy.

The city of Springfield is one western Massachusetts community that utilizes shot spotter technology. Police Spokesman Ryan Walsh told 22News it’s a valuable tool for law enforcement, “Shotspotter saves lives, it’s plain and simple. About 70 percent of the time we find evidence of gunfire and there’s a shotspotter activation we do not get a 911 call so without a shotspotter we can be a victim on the ground for extra seconds, minutes, whatever it may be before they’re located.”

The letter in support of the shot spotter was signed by law enforcement leaders from throughout the state including Boston Commissioner Michael Cox, Holyoke Chief David Pratt, and Superintendent Lawrence Akers in Springfield.

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Heath Kalb is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Heath on X @HeathKalb and view his bio to see more of his work.

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