The University of Alabama and the city of Tuscaloosa are implementing a new technology that notifies police in the campus area within seconds if gunfire is heard nearby.
UA views the technology, called
ShotSpotter
, as a proactive and preventative measure to further demonstrate its commitment to the safety and security of its community, spokesperson Chris Bryant said.
"UA and the City of Tuscaloosa are together implementing the technology to keep the community safe," he said.
UAPD is deploying ShotSpotter technology in and around the campus area with the assistance and support of the Tuscaloosa Police Department.
ShotSpotter notifies police in the area within seconds if gunfire is heard nearby. It can help speed response times for police and emergency responders.
The real-time alerts use acoustic technology to notify local police departments precisely if, when and where gun incidents occur so officers can respond faster and more safely. It can also determine the difference between similar sounds, like fireworks or an engine backfire, saving valuable resources, according to UA.
This technology also uses audio sensors placed high atop buildings to triangulate the sound of gunfire. To work most effectively, UA will place the sensors in strategic locations around the edge of the UA campus.
"We have asked permission to place audio sensors on the roof of buildings around the campus," Bryant said. "The installation will be quick, performed by professionals, and hardly noticeable when complete. The benefit is the security of knowing local police will be notified in real time if a shooting ever occurs near the facility."
UA doesn't yet have a precise date when the technology will be activated, Bryant said.
"Installation is ongoing, and there will be testing following installation," he said. "The system should be operational soon, and it will give law enforcement a great tool to help as a proactive step for campus and community safety."
The ShotSpotter website says the technology "detects the fullest range of gunfire, covers exponentially more geographic area and collects data that helps communities define the scope of illegal gunfire."
More information on the technology is available at www.shotspotter.com.