To: Atlanta City Council and Mayor Kasim Reed
Stop Illegal Gunfire in Atlanta
Atlanta City Council, Mayor Reed,
I am requesting your support in establishing a gunfire abatement program for the City of Atlanta. A gunfire abatement program is overdue in the City of Atlanta and I, along with many of my neighbors, are asking that you act now. Atlanta was recently ranked in the top 10 US cities with the highest levels of violent crimes.* Other cities have achieved significant reduction in violent crime through gunfire abatement programs, supported by gunfire detection technology. Please know that I firmly support Council member Bond's proposal, 12-O-0488, and I ask that you make it a priority to fund the deployment of gunfire detection technology as a first step to establishing Atlanta's gunfire abatement program.
*24/7wallst.com, June 11, 2012
Thank you,
Why is this important?
Every day, Atlanta 911 receives about 13 "shots fired" calls, but rarely do these calls lead police to a shooter. A new technology available to APD can change this: Gunfire Detection Technology (GDT) provides police accurate location and other actionable information within seconds of a gunfire event. GDT is more effective and less costly than 911 response alone.
Gunfire Facts:
Fact: On average, 13 "shots fired" calls a day are made to Atlanta 911.
Fact: APD officers spend on average 30 minutes responding to a shots fired call.
Fact: approximately 2,500 hours of police time is wasted every year trying to find the source of gunfire.
Fact: It's estimated that only 20 to 30% of actual gunfire events are reported to 911.
Fact: Cities that use Gunfire Detection Technology (GDT) have reduced gunfire events by up to 70 percent.
How Gunfire Detection Technology (GDT) Works:
Police receive a precise map of where the gunfire originated, and a recording of the gunfire event, that lets them hear exactly how many shots were fired, how many guns were involved, and which direction the shooters are moving, if they are moving. GDT may even be able to identify the caliber of weapon(s) being fired. Having this information means that police can respond to the precise event location, and with appropriate force and full knowledge of the nature of the gunfire at that location. Accurate information, faster notification and response, tighter investigations and better evidence gathering - making it safer for police and residents.
http://www.youtube.com/user/shotspotter
What Does It Cost?
The cost of Gunfire detection technology would be between $0.5M and $1M per year, and will depend on how large an area that is covered by the technology. It is one of the cheapest and most effective crime reduction investments Atlanta can make.
How Can You Help?
Tell Atlanta Council members and Mayor Reed that you want Atlanta to establish a gunfire abatement program and make an investment in the deployment of gunfire detection technology.