Peoria Extends ShotSpotter Contract: $948k Deal Approved
Peoria City Council has approved a new three-year contract to continue utilising ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology, officials confirmed. The agreement, costing the city $948,105, represents a 5% increase compared to the previous contract.
The Peoria Police Department currently utilises ShotSpotter to monitor specific areas within the city for gunfire. The technology uses acoustic sensors to detect and locate gunfire, alerting police to potential incidents in real-time. This allows for quicker response times and potentially reduces the risk to both officers and the public.
The new contract ensures the continuation of this service for the next three years. The 5% price increase reflects ongoing maintenance, potential upgrades to the system, and operational costs. City officials stated that the decision to renew the contract was based on an evaluation of the technology’s effectiveness in reducing gun violence and improving public safety. Data regarding the system’s impact and performance is expected to be reviewed periodically throughout the contract term.
ShotSpotter has been a point of discussion within the community, with some residents raising concerns about privacy and the accuracy of the technology. However, proponents argue that the benefits of rapid response and increased police presence in high-crime areas outweigh these concerns. The Peoria Police Department has consistently maintained that ShotSpotter is one tool among many used to combat crime and ensure the safety of Peoria residents. Further details regarding the contract and its implementation are available on the city’s official website.