Newsradio 1020 Editorial: ShotSpotter in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh may be home to high-tech businesses –
But when it comes to investing in technology –
The city doesn't have a great track record.
So there was some skepticism when –
In 2014 –
City council spent nearly 200-thousand dollars –
On something called "ShotSpotter."
The system was supposed to pick up the sound of gunfire –
Relay it back to a technician –
Who then sends the location to police.
It's been operating for a year –
Covering neighborhoods from Garfield to East Hills –
And – it's working.
Police officials say it helps officers get to crime scenes more quickly.
In one recent case – they made an arrest –
Because they arrived at a homicide scene –
Just as a suspect was driving off.
Pittsburgh still needs to deal with its chronic police shortage –
But this technology seems well worth the 135-thousand dollars –
Required to keep it running this year.
City council should approve the spending.
And Mayor Bill Peduto should make good on his promise –
To extend ShotSpotter to other neighborhoods.
The sooner – the better.