New Portable Gunshot Detector Aims To Keep Outdoor Events Safer

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology division, in collaboration with Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), has come up with a portable gunshot detection system that can better identify shots fired in public. 

As opposed to previous systems that only detect gunshots via audio, the SDS Outdoor can pick out flashes coming from a firearm, allowing for more accurate readings and fewer false positives. 

At the moment, the agency has yet to disclose just how accurate the identification system is, though the company behind SDS Outdoor says its indoor iteration boasts a near-100% detection rate with fewer than one false alert per five million hours. 

This outdoor rendition took almost two years to develop, with prototype testing beginning a year ago. Law enforcement agencies participated in trials to make the detection more effective in areas spanning vast swaths of land, such as forests. 

According to Engadget, Homeland Security plans to deploy the system, which is portable, at mass outdoor events including the likes of festivals or popup rallies, where infrastructure support for other security measures may be lacking.

While many gunshot technologies can’t be rolled out temporarily in the field, Dr Dimitri Kusnezov, the DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology, explains that SDS Outdoor could be used without the need for technicians. 

“This mobile capability will help responders approach gun violence incidents with greater awareness, reducing response times, and increasing responder safety,” Kusnezov continues.

However, the system is facing ire from critics who believe gunshot detection tools aren’t effective and could potentially bring more trouble than being helpful for law enforcement. 

Albert Fox Cahn, Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director, tells Gizmodo previous attempts to police gunshots in real-time have resulted in civilians being falsely accused of firing a gun, such as when setting off fireworks. 

Going forward, SDS Outdoor will be commercialized and made available to law enforcement agencies and first responders nationwide, so that locations that do not support fixed deployments can still have the security of gunshot detection. 

[via Engadget and Gizmodo, cover image via Pix569 | Dreamstime.com]