US Army sniper detector to be used on UK streets

Technology used by the American army to detect snipers in warzones is to be trialled on British streets in an effort to tackle gun crime.


By Jon Swaine
Last Updated: 11:19AM BST 04 Aug 2008

Four British police forces are believed to have registered their interest in ShotSpotter, a system used to detect the position of any gunfire within 80ft in seconds.

Police in London, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the West Midlands are set to trial the device next month, and could introduce it permanently next year.

The system uses a sophisticated network of microphones to identify the location from which gunfire or explosions originate. Utilising GPS (global positioning system) technology, the sensors tell an accompanying "bird's eye" video system where to zoom in, giving police officers a view of the action and potentially identifying criminals.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "This technology is a potential asset in the fight against gun crime. By notifying police as soon as a shot is fired, it could save invaluable time in reaching a crime scene."

The system, which is being used by the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan, was created in 1994. It is now used across several American cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC. In Washington, where the system already covers 17 square miles, it is set to be expanded to cover the entire city.

Gregg Rowland, the senior vice-president of ShotSpotter Inc, the company behind the system, claims that it has reduced gun crime by 35 per cent in some areas.

He said: "Part of its use is as a deterrent. When criminals know they can be heard and found, they are more likely to think twice before using firearms. Twenty-nine different police forces wouldn't put their faith in technology that didn't work."

Mr Rowland's company has said that in addition to interest from British police, it has also been in touch with British intelligence agencies.

Gun Shot Locating Ltd, a British company, is promoting the technology in Europe. It held four demonstrations to British police in July.