Backtalk: ‘Every tool at our disposal to attack the gun violence plaguing Durham’

Last month, we published a report about the Durham City Council’s 4-2 vote to suspend the use of ShotSpotter as the city awaits data from a Duke University review of the gunshot detection technology’s pilot in a three-mile area covering East Durham. Following publication, we received a statement from Durham sheriff Clarence Birkhead, who supports the city’s use of ShotSpotter and calls the decision not to extend ShotSpotter “a setback to law enforcement’s ability to effectively address gun violence in Durham.” Here’s an excerpt from Birkhead’s statement:   

​​“A lot of work went into bringing the ShotSpotter technology to Durham; starting with research, figuring out where best to position the sensors to detect acoustic waves of gunfire and then pinpointing it to an almost exact location where the shooting occurred, as well as educating the public about its role in reducing crime. The Bull City was one of seven other locations across North Carolina using ShotSpotter, joining Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount and Greenville.

… Since its implementation here in Durham, ShotSpotter posted more than 1,400 alerts, leading to 23 arrests, the recovery of 21 guns and the discovery of 48 gunshot wounds, according to the information reviewed in the ShotSpotter Dashboard. But these are only numbers, as data cannot measure the numbing pain gun violence leaves behind to the families of the victims and in the neighborhoods where it happens. I have heard stories this year when shots have been fired and no one contacted 911—leaving ShotSpotter to fill the gap to inform law enforcement to respond. In those same conversations, residents have expressed overwhelming support for having this technology, along with the increased presence of law enforcement in the community. You cannot put a price tag on that level of peace of mind—that level of public safety. We need every tool at our disposal to effectively attack the gun violence plaguing Durham.

… Everything we do at the Durham County Sheriff’s Office is about saving lives. My deputies work alongside Durham Police Officers daily, responding to calls for service, assisting with apprehending wanted persons, as well as the sharing of intelligence. These officers are professionals, and I know first-hand that they care about our community. I hear the counter arguments about ShotSpotter; be it cost, privacy questions and community fears about potential over-policing. My response to those arguments is simply this—not in Durham.

… I am disappointed that the vocal minority was able to sway City Council to vote 4-2 not to continue using this tool. I am disappointed that the voices of those suffering the plight of gun shots, gun violence, and the trauma of living in fear of being shot are largely being ignored ….”

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