Cambridge Ends Contract with ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection System

On Monday, the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts decided to terminate its contract with ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system used by police. This technology relies on a network of acoustic sensors installed above streets to detect sounds resembling gunfire. When a potential gunshot is identified, it alerts law enforcement in real time.

The Cambridge City Council’s decision comes amid criticism that the technology is unreliable and might lead to over-policing. Concerns were also raised about the system’s potential connections to federal immigration enforcement efforts. In a similar move, Chicago announced earlier in February 2024 that it would not renew its ShotSpotter contract. This reflects growing opposition among cities regarding its application.

According to reports from Boston.com, the Cambridge council’s meeting resulted in five councilors voting to cease the contract, two opposing the decision, and two opting for a neutral stance. As per the council’s decision, Cambridge will halt ShotSpotter’s operation within 90 days, and the systems will be removed from the city.

The system is operated by SoundThinking, which claims its technology aids in saving lives, speeding police response, and assisting investigators in gathering more evidence by notifying law enforcement within one minute of detecting possible gunfire.

On the contrary, critics argue that the system lacks adequate independent scientific validation. They highlight issues such as false positives, where unrelated loud noises like car backfires trigger the system. They are also concerned about the alleged data sharing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is unpopular in Cambridge.

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang and acting Police Commissioner Pauline Wells supported maintaining ShotSpotter, pointing out 11 incidents where the system detected gunfire without any corresponding 911 calls.

Councilor Ayah Al-Zubi, a proponent of ending ShotSpotter, expressed concerns regarding data sharing and privacy risks. Al-Zubi stated, “It does pose a privacy and safety risk for residents, especially when the federal government has a relationship with the company and it’s not reliable. There was once a time, over a decade ago, where there was an interest in this technology, but now we know more about its effectiveness and its consequences.”

In response, SoundThinking defended their system’s effectiveness and commitment to safety in a statement to the Boston Globe. The company emphasized, “SoundThinking is proud to have successfully served the Cambridge Police Department and the citizens of Cambridge with gunshot detection services since 2014. ShotSpotter is proven, unbiased technology that detects and alerts police to gunfire, enabling faster response, evidence collection, and lifesaving medical aid, all the while preserving privacy. We remain committed to working with communities, like Cambridge, that share our belief that every resident deserves those protections against gun violence.”