Peoria city officials have approved a three-year extension of the ShotSpotter gunfire detection system, aiming to bolster public safety and improve rapid response to shootings throughout the community. The unanimous City Council decision signals an ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to reduce gun-related violence.
Key Takeaways
- The ShotSpotter contract is approved for another three years at an annual cost of $316,000.
- The technology covers two select areas in Peoria, together spanning six square miles.
- Nearly 2,000 alerts and 143 shootings were detected over the last two years, with 25 fatalities.
- The system is praised for helping officers arrive at scenes quickly and gather critical evidence.
- Transparency is highlighted through a public data dashboard maintained by the police.
Details of the ShotSpotter Renewal
ShotSpotter, operated by Sound Thinking, will remain an essential tool in Peoria’s efforts to curb gun violence. Officials report that alerts from the system typically reach officers before traditional dispatch methods, enabling faster arrivals at shooting scenes and the chance to provide immediate medical aid when needed.
According to Police Chief Brad Dixon, ShotSpotter’s pinpoint detection capabilities have demonstrated value in identifying shooting locations, recovering ballistic evidence, and aiding investigations. The renewed contract, approved unanimously by the Peoria City Council, reflects an increase of 5% in the first year but will hold steady for the subsequent years.
Impact and Community Response
Over a two-year stretch between 2024 and 2025, ShotSpotter generated nearly 2,000 gunfire alerts in the covered districts. These alerts led to the detection of 143 shooting incidents, involving 166 victims, of whom 25 lost their lives.
The city’s use of a digital transparency dashboard makes real-time ShotSpotter data available to the public, allowing citizens to track the technology’s effectiveness and the city’s response to firearm-related incidents.
Technology Coverage and Usage
Peoria currently deploys ShotSpotter across two main regions:
- The southwest side, where ShotSpotter has been in use since 2013.
- Central Peoria, which was added two years later.
Each area encompasses approximately three square miles. ShotSpotter’s sensors are effective primarily at detecting outdoor gunfire and typically do not register shots fired indoors or from within vehicles.
City Council’s Broader Agenda
In addition to the ShotSpotter renewal, the council also signed off on several major contracts and projects during the meeting:
- A three-year agreement with Lodestar Claims and Risk Services for managing general liability claims.
- Vacating a section of an alley for the MacArthur Senior Flats project.
- Applications and approvals for federal and local grants, including substantial HUD funding for community development and housing.
- Advancing the Rock Island Greenway project and services to manage Peoria Cares calls.
Looking Ahead: Community Partnerships
Mayor Rita Ali announced the upcoming visit of a delegation from Peoria’s sister city, Friedrichshafen, Germany, underscoring the city’s efforts to build civic ties while maintaining a commitment to public safety.
City leaders and law enforcement officials maintain that Peoria’s integrated approach to technology-driven public safety serves as a model for other municipalities, demonstrating ongoing dedication to rapid response, transparency, and community well-being.
