New Hightech Sensors Will Pinpoint Gunshots In Pottstown, Norristown

POTTSTOWN - Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced a new technology solution to prevent shootings in the Pottstown and Norristown areas.

Dubbed "Shot-Spotter," the technology is primarily sound-based and highly sophisticated, using sensors placed over a 2-square-mile area in both areas, so it can "triangulate" not just an area within feet. Triggered by the caliber of the weapon, Steele said.

According to Steele, it has been used in 150 cities and has reduced gun crime in those cities.

The system can transmit that information to the police officer's cell phone "within 60 seconds," Steele said. It also increases police safety by providing emergency services with vital information about the situation they are facing.

In the year he cited the High Street shooting in October 2021, which involved "a machine gun in action". "We were lucky that they didn't find anyone in the area."

The system can also save the lives of gunshot victims, Steele said.

"If someone gets shot, we know exactly where they are," Steele said. This is especially important since about 20 percent of all shootings are reported directly to the police.

"So there are cases where someone is shot, the police don't know about it, and the person dies because they don't get immediate treatment," Steele said.

The sensors do not detect gunshots in the building, nor are they set up to record conversations on the street, he said. “They're really ready to shoot and shoot the triangle. This is about public safety," he said.

That's a relief for Councilwoman Lisa Vanney, who says she works in technology. "I'm concerned about privacy and how far we can go with technology," he said. "I don't think we're going to invade people's privacy," Steele said.

What they do, officials hope, is create a "safe harbor" or "safe haven" in which to deploy the system.

"We are not going to be silent about it. We want these places to be completely uninviting for firearms in public,” Steele said.

"It's been used in places with more gun violence than Pottstown, and if we can stop it in those communities, it will definitely help long-term economic growth because people will feel safer here," Steele said. "It's a way to keep this community on track that we all understand."

The two-year fellowship "will help create additional opportunities for analysts and research team leaders in the field," Steele said. "The combination of these things will really make a difference, I'm sure."

Steele said he hopes to get the program up and running this summer, but has run into some roadblocks installing sensors on PECO's power poles.

"They're working with us, but they have some administrative hurdles, but we're really trying to figure it out as soon as possible. It's a two-year alliance and time is running out," he said.

Councilman Ryan Proxall, who represents the Pottstown Central First Ward, said he was excited to hear the system unveiled, "and this technology can help because it shakes our reputation when there's a shooting in town." ".

Even with the system in place, Steele said, “we still need the people. If you hear gunshots, please call the police."