Sparks Approves Gunshot Detection Contract

The Sparks City Council on Monday unanimously approved a new three-year, $1.2 million contract with SoundThinking Inc., formerly known as ShotSpotter, to continue providing gunshot detection services in the city through 2029.

Under the agreement, the company’s acoustic sensor system will continue alerting police to the precise location of outdoor gunfire. The program, launched in Sparks in June 2023 under an $850,000 federally funded pilot, will now be paid through the city’s general fund.

Since its implementation, the Sparks Police Department reports 577 gunfire alerts generated by the system, leading to the recovery of 542 shell casings, the seizure of 17 firearms, and 23 arrests. The technology uses sensors to detect and triangulate the sound of gunfire, and analyzes to rule out noises such as fireworks.

Police Chief Chris Crawforth told council members the system has enabled faster responses to shootings, including unreported incidents to 9-1-1.

According to the company, its technology is accurate in more than 90% of reported gunfire incidents and can identify a crime scene within an average of 82 feet. Critics have argued that similar systems are often concentrated in minority neighborhoods and may contribute to over-policing.

Crawforth estimated the annual cost of the contract is roughly equivalent to the salary, benefits, and vehicle expenses for two sworn officers, but said the 24/7 coverage provided by the technology makes it a worthwhile investment.