Police will now be able to respond sooner to shootings in the city of Rockford.
Starting Friday morning, the Police Department began using ShotSpotter, an acoustic surveillance technology that provides real-time data to police as to where and when gunshots are fired. ShotSpotter uses a combination of detection software and sensors placed throughout the city.
It instantly notifies police of gunshot crimes in progress with real-time information delivered to dispatch centers, patrol cars, and even smartphones, with the location, number of rounds fired, and approximate number of shooters.
ShotSpotter is currently being used in more 87 cities, most of which are in the United States.
Police still urge residents to call 911 if they hear gunfire.
