Suffolk Police To Host Series Of Meeting On ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection

YAPHANK, NY — Suffolk police brass will host three meetings to provide updates on the planned rollout of theShotSpotter gunshot detection system in targeted communities across the county.

ShotSpotter will be installed in Bay Shore, Brentwood, Central Islip, Coram, Huntington Station, Mastic, North Amityville, North Bellport, and Wyandanch.

The technology will also be placed in the hamlet of Coram.

A police officer was shot in the hamlet on Homestead Drive during a confrontation with a robbery suspect last Thursday.

It was not immediately clear where the technology would be placed or if the locations would be revealed.

Police did say that the sensors' placement has been based on previous 911 calls.

The technology detects 90 percent of gunshots in the coverage area, which is a contrast to the nationwide average of less than 20 percent of gunfire being reported to police, police said.

The system notifies police in less than one minute with information including the location, number of shots, and time of discharge, according to police.

The county ended its use of the technology several years ago, and it was defunded. The legislature approved its reintroduction back in October.

Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison said Suffolk is considered "one of the safest communities in the country," but the utilization of ShotSpotter will be an additional tool to deter gun violence."

“The implementation of this technology will aid officers when responding to calls of shots fired by notifying them sooner, and more accurately, as well as during subsequent investigations," he added

County Executive Steve Bellone said the technology "is another tool in our arsenal to continue our efforts to reduce crime and remain proactive" in the county

“ShotSpotter is a part of our comprehensive approach to enhance our Department’s ability to investigate, prevent and respond to criminal incidents in our communities," he said.

The meetings will be held at the following locations:

• Second Precinct, 1071 Park Ave. in Huntington, on May 15 at 6 p.m.
• Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave. in Brentwood, on May 16 at 6 p.m.
• 6th Precinct, 400 Rte. 25 in Selden, on May 17 at 6 p.m.

With the announcement, police are reminding residents that are several options to report a. crime anonymously.

To report a crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, call 1-800-220-TIPS.

Tips can also be reported anonymously by using a mobile app, which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com.

Rewards of up to $5,000 are available, if the tip results in an arrest.

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