Request for Committee Action
A briefing memo explaining the purpose, background, and impact of the requested action.
Community perspectives on ShotSpotter (RCA-2024-00273)
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
To Committee(s)
| # | Committee Name | Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee | March 11, 2024 |
Action Item(s)
| # | File Type | Subcategory | Item Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Receive & File | Report | Receiving and filing a presentation on community perspectives related ShotSpotter, a gunshot technology that the City is currently contracted with for service. |
Ward / Neighborhood / Address
| # | Ward | Neighborhood | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | All Wards |
Background Analysis
ShotSpotter is a surveillance technology that uses acoustic sensors to detect and locate gunshots, alerting law enforcement in real-time. In recent years, there has been controversy of it's accuracy and effectiveness. Alexander Linderfelser, an intern at the Legal Rights Center, wrote a research-based law review article that originally was for publication by the Minnesota Journal of Law and Inequality ("Date Suggests ShotSpotter Disproportionately Located in Black Communities in Minneapolis"). It will be availiable for public view at the Campaign Zero website.
This presentation is meant to bring awareness about potential flaws in the ShotSpotter system and give council critical information on its impacts in Minneapolis.
FISCAL NOTE
- No fiscal impact anticipated