Governor Brian Kemp has announced that the Douglas Police Department has a project that is among 118 projects to receive a grant to improve community-level public safety measures and address law enforcement staffing challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Douglas Police Department will receive $110,000 from the Community Public Safety Grant for the ShotSpotter Project.
“Public safety has always been a top priority of my administration and will continue to be,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “With the increase in violent crime seen in communities across the country, including here in our state, we’re sending reinforcements to keep hardworking Georgians and their neighborhoods safe. From tackling staffing needs to deploying new equipment and technology, these funds are being invested so that our brave first responders have the resources they need to fight back against dangerous criminals.”
DPD plans to implement ShotSpotter technology across the city limits of Douglas to help combat gun violence. Studies show that more than 80% of gunfire incidents go unreported to 911 and ShotSpotter’s gunshot detection solution helps law enforcement identify and locate incidents of outdoor gun violence that would have never been reported to police. Alerts are sent within 60 seconds of trigger pull and notify the police department precisely when and where gun incidents occur, so that a fast, precise response will help save the lives of gunshot wound victims and find critical evidence.
“We are very appreciative for the support from Governor Kemp by awarding our police department the funds from the Community Public Safety Grant,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “The Douglas Police Department and City of Douglas is committed to the reduction of illegal gun use.”
ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology uses a series of acoustic sensors deployed high up on top of light posts and buildings. When a gunshot occurs, the sensors work instantly to triangulate the sound and pinpoint the number of shots fired and the location. Expertly trained ShotSpotter acoustic experts are on duty 24/7 to review and qualify all gunfire incidents before sending an alert.
For more information about the program and how it will be utilized in Douglas, please contact Douglas Police Chief Brannen Pruette (912) 384-2222 or bpruette@cityofdouglas.com. For more information about ShotSpotter visit their website https://www.soundthinking.com/resource-center/.