Houston mayor may shut down ShotSpotter
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced that he will end the use of ShotSpotter, a high-tech device once heralded as a breakthrough in reducing gun violence. FOX 26 Political Reporter Greg Grugan explains the background to the decision.
Houston – Houston Mayor John Whitmire, apparently unhappy with the results of the crime-fighting system known as ShotSpotter, has announced his intention to phase out the technology, which he calls a “gadget.”
ShotSpotter technology is an integrated network of sensors strategically placed throughout neighborhoods that pinpoints exactly where a shooting occurred, allowing police to respond immediately.
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The city of Houston spent $3.5 million to cover roughly 10 square miles.
The results have been disappointing in terms of reducing crime, and many City Council members agree with Whitmire that the money would be better spent elsewhere.
“I think the majority of Houstonians want more officers on the streets and faster response times, and ShotSpotter doesn't address that,” said Houston City Councilman Julian Ramirez. “If we had unlimited officers and faster response times, that's fine, but we don't, so we have to make a choice. It may not please everyone, but I think it's a wise choice by the mayor.”
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Harris County District 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia has been piloting ShotSpotter.
“While the technology alerts led to a number of significant arrests, they were not the deterrent we had hoped for, so we ultimately decided not to renew it,” Garcia said.
Mike Knox, a former police officer and former city council member, also praised Whitmire's decision, after warning in 2021 that the technology would not deliver the results it was promised to taxpayers.
“So the question is, what's the benefit relative to the cost and will it help? It certainly won't stop the shootings. It's certainly not going to happen,” Knox said three years ago.
Knox, who is now running for Harris County sheriff, said the millions of dollars invested in ShotSpotter would be better spent solving the crime lab's large backlog.
