Purchase ShotSpotter gunshot detection system to automatically locate shootings
In Plain English
The city wants to buy technology that uses acoustic sensors to detect gunshots and pinpoint their location within seconds. ShotSpotter sends alerts directly to police dispatch when shots are fired. The system aims to reduce response times and help officers find shooting scenes faster than relying on 911 calls alone.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approved the item
7 to 0
Why This Vote Matters
The city council unanimously approved purchasing ShotSpotter technology that uses acoustic sensors to automatically detect gunshots and alert police to their exact location within seconds. This system is designed to help officers respond faster to shootings than waiting for 911 calls, which often come in late or with inaccurate location information. The technology could potentially reduce response times in emergency situations involving gun violence. While the agenda item did not specify the purchase amount, ShotSpotter systems typically cost cities hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Similar Discussions
5 related items found by meaning
Approve $185,000 contract for ShotSpotter gunshot detection system maintenance
Continue $60,000 contract with ShotSpotter for gunshot detection system maintenance
Approve 3-year maintenance contract for gunshot detection system
Approve $1.05 million contract for ShotSpotter gunshot detection system maintenance
Renew 3-year contract with ShotSpotter for gunshot detection system maintenance
The Story So Far
10 prior discussions on this topic
Contract with AAA Backflow Prevention, Inc. for On-Call Backflow Inspection, Testing, and Repair Services
Ordinance Amending Sidewalk Vendor Regulations (RMC Chapter 7.42)
Recommend Dedicating a Literacy Space in the Richmond Public Library in Honor of Abigail Sims-Evelyn
Contracts for On-call Fire Prevention Services Plan Review and Related Inspection Services
Contract Amendment No. 2 with SCI Consulting Group to Prepare the Hilltop Assessment Districts Annual Engineer’s Report
Contract with Myers & Sons Construction, LLC for the Bridge Preventive Maintenance Project
Honoring the Richmond Emergency Communications (EmComm¹) volunteers for their leadership and service, celebrating the installation of the City Hall emergency antenna, and declaring April 30, 2026, as "Richmond Emergency Communications Volunteer Day
Consider Amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 11.05 entitled “Fireworks”
Grant Award from Chevron Community Engagement Foundation
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Participatory Grantmaking Grant Awardee Recommendation