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Lock and load: Birmingham launches gunfire location IT

Hot shotspotting in the city

The Safer Birmingham Partnership has begun to use communications technology developed in the US to locate the source of gunfire in the city.

Birmingham is the first UK city to install the Shotspotter Gunshot Location System. The technology can locate gunshot fire within a 25-metre radius from up to 2km (1.24 miles) away. It also provides information about how many firearms have been discharged before officers arrive at a crime scene.

West Midlands Police said it will enable them to maximise the safety of its officers and the public. In addition, it can help to deploy officers more effectively.

According to West Midlands Police, the software has already been used for a number of years across the US and has played a significant role in reducing gun crime and apprehending offenders.

The Safer Birmingham Partnership, made up of West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council and other public and voluntary sector organisations, introduced the new software on 9 December as part of an operation to combat gun-related crime.

Chief Superintendent Chris McKeogh said: "This technology will enable us to respond faster and more effectively to firearms incidents, therefore minimising the harm to local communities and maximising the opportunity to seize illegal firearms, catch offenders and potentially save lives."

This article was originally published at Kable.

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