Martinsville police are rolling out a gunshot detection system to improve their response to violent crime

The Martinsville Police Department has introduced a new gunshot detection system as part of its ongoing effort to integrate advanced technology into law enforcement practices.

The system, designed to improve the speed and accuracy of responses to weapons-related incidents, is currently in testing and is expected to go fully online in the coming weeks.

Police Chief Rob Fincher described the gunshot detection system as an important step toward more efficient crime fighting.

The system consists of 140 sensors strategically placed throughout the city that detect the sound of gunfire and immediately alert officers to the location.

The sensors work by triangulating the sound source using three sensors, which then transmit the coordinates to officers on the scene.

“We are in the testing phase right now,” Chief Fincher said. “We are working to ensure the sensor array provides optimal coverage and adjustments may be made over the next few weeks, including relocating or adding sensors as necessary.”

The system is highly specialized and designed to detect gunshots and filter out non-gunfire sounds, such as fireworks or cars backfiring.

However, Fincher acknowledged that the system is not foolproof and could trigger false alarms in certain circumstances, such as during fireworks displays.

The gunshot detection system is compatible with the department's network of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and intersection cameras to allow for further integration with existing technology.

Officers can access a real-time map displaying data from these systems as they respond to gunshot alerts.

Officers can view footage or check license plate information as part of their investigation if there is a camera or ALPR data nearby.

Chief Fincher emphasized that the gunshot detection system is a “first warning” tool that allows police to respond to gunshots before a 911 call is made.

He believes such technologies will play a crucial role in the future of policing.

“Advances in technology are critical to improving our officers’ ability to fight crime,” Fincher said. “This system, along with other tools we are implementing, will help us respond more quickly and effectively and ultimately improve public safety.”

The gunshot detection system was developed by Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based technology company.

The city's police department was able to purchase the $80,000 worth of equipment through a grant from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares' office.

The funding comes from the Ceasefire Virginia program, which aims to prevent and solve gun crimes by providing resources and technology to local law enforcement agencies.

“We are proud to be part of this initiative,” said Chief Fincher. “Martinsville is one of 13 cities selected for the pilot program, and the support we have received is critical to expanding our technology capabilities.”

This new gunshot detection system is the latest addition to the Martinsville Police Department's technology-driven approach to modern policing.

Earlier this year, the department introduced a license plate camera system and Fincher noted that more technology would be implemented in the coming months to further enhance the department's capabilities.

The gunshot detection system, which will work seamlessly with the camera and license plate reader systems, represents an important part of the City's commitment to use innovation to combat gun violence and improve overall public safety.