Tacoma Police to Deploy ShotSpotter Technology

The Tacoma Police Department is set to pilot the controversial ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology over a two-square-mile area this fall, funded by an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The technology aims to improve response times to gunfire incidents by differentiating between gunshots and other loud noises. However, it has faced criticism for promoting over-policing and has been abandoned by several major cities due to concerns about reliability and racial bias. A community meeting will be held on August 21 and 22 to discuss the implementation of ShotSpotter, which is part of TPD's Violent Crime Reduction Plan. Critics, including the ACLU of Washington, argue that the technology does not effectively reduce gun violence and poses threats to civil liberties. Despite the controversies, TPD maintains that ShotSpotter will enhance their ability to respond to crimes and support local safety efforts.