Durham, NC (Friday, December 22, 2023) – Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead released the following statement after the Durham City Council voted not to extend a contract with ShotSpotter, the technology used to detect gunfire location in real time.
Sheriff Birkhead said: “A lot of work went into bringing the ShotSpotter technology to Durham; starting with research, figuring out where best to position the sensors to detect acoustic waves of gunfire and then pinpointing it to an almost exact location where the shooting occurred, as well as educating the public about its role in reducing crime. The Bull City was one of seven other locations across North Carolina using ShotSpotter, joining Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount and Greenville.
“In a recent article written by broadcast reporter Celeste Smith of Fox 8 News (WGHP/Triad), Captain Amy Gauldin of the Winston-Salem Police Department stated, “When we’re looking at saving somebody’s life or looking at getting to a victim quickly to render aid and find evidence that we can then use to successfully prosecute that case, it’s invaluable to us.” ShotSpotter is another tool law enforcement uses to save lives while gathering valuable evidence to assist in the prosecution of offenders.
“Since its implementation here in Durham, ShotSpotter posted more than 1,400 alerts, leading to 23 arrests, the recovery of 21 guns and the discovery of 48 gunshot wounds, according to the information reviewed in the ShotSpotter Dashboard. But these are only numbers, as data cannot measure the numbing pain gun violence leaves behind to the families of the victims and in the neighborhoods where it happens. I have heard stories this year when shots have been fired and no one contacted 911 – leaving ShotSpotter to fill the gap to inform law enforcement to respond. In those same conversations, residents have expressed overwhelming support for having this technology, along with the increased presence of law enforcement in the community. You cannot put a price tag on that level of peace of mind – that level of public safety. We need every tool at our disposal to effectively attack the gun violence plaguing Durham. I recently read in an article about ShotSpotter that I believes speaks to this point; and I quote; “Gun violence is a complex issue and there is no single solution for it. However, studies have shown that ShotSpotter can contribute to reductions when used as part of a comprehensive gun crime response strategy by helping police respond quickly and precisely to incidents of gunfire, the majority of which are never called into 911. It helps them [law enforcement] to save the lives of victims, collect evidence and find witnesses to help investigations that can lead to the identification and prosecution of offenders.”
Sheriff Birkhead continued: “Everything we do at the Durham County Sheriff’s Office is about saving lives. My deputies work alongside Durham Police Officers daily, responding to calls for service, assisting with apprehending wanted persons, as well as the sharing of intelligence. These officers are professionals, and I know first-hand that they care about our community. I hear the counter arguments about ShotSpotter; be it cost, privacy questions and community fears about potential over-policing. My response to those arguments is simply this – not in Durham.
“The vote to not extend the ShotSpotter contract delivers a setback to law enforcement’s ability to effectively address gun violence in Durham. I am disappointed that the vocal minority was able to sway City Council to vote 4-2 not to continue using this tool. I am disappointed that the voices of those suffering the plight of gun shots, gun violence, and the trauma of living in fear of being shot are largely being ignored.
“As your Sheriff, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office will not be deterred by this decision. My deputies will continue responding to the cries of our local residents for increased police visibility, fair and impartial policing, and community engagement as we try to make our neighborhoods as safe as possible. I encourage others to speak out and join with me because I cannot do this alone – law enforcement cannot do this alone.”
###