The West Columbia Police Department has implemented ShotSpotter technology across one square mile of West Columbia to identify, locate, and deter gun violence, and improve the quality of life in West Columbia. The real-time alerts from ShotSpotter notify police precisely when and where gun incidents occur, resulting in a faster, more accurate response to the scene to better attend to gunshot victims, recover evidence, and interview witnesses.

Mayor Tem Miles said, “I am very thankful that we’ve been able to activate ShotSpotter in our community. It will allow the police department to better respond to potential gun shots and hopefully address individuals who continually make problems in our community.”

The ShotSpotter technology uses a series of small strategically placed audio sensors. When a gunshot occurs, the sensors work instantly to triangulate the sound and pinpoint the number of shots fired and their exact locations. Trained ShotSpotter acoustic experts are on duty 24/7 to review and classify all gunfire incidents before immediately alerting local law enforcement − all within a minute but usually within 30 seconds.

Chief Boyce implemented this technology in hopes of saving lives while reducing gun violence and improving the quality of life in West Columbia. While this technology is a great step toward reducing gun violence, he wants the residents of West Columbia to continue to report crime.

“ShotSpotter technology is just one tool that we have at our disposal. Our best tool by far is our community. Please continue to notify our dispatchers if you hear gunfire and if you have information that could help us investigate these and other crimes of violence,” stated Chief Boyce.

According to the WCPD release: “The entire City of West Columbia will benefit from this technology.”