D.C. police are using some new technology to help them respond more quickly to shooting scenes.
The system is called Shotspotter. It allows police to save time and resources and it has already helped catch a murder suspect.
Shotspotter allows officers to pinpoint the exact spot where gunshots are fired. It does so by using digital audio technology and a street map tied to a global positioning system.
Shotspotter also tells officers whether the sounds were gunshots or something else, like firecrackers.
The technology consists of a number of radio transmitters placed in crime hotspots in the District. The information is relayed instantly to a monitoring station at police headquarters.
Police said it is helping them catch criminals, including one murder suspect.
On Oct. 16, 41-year-old Jose Villatorro was trimming grass at an apartment complex in Southeast Washington when a man approached him and began shooting for no apparent reason.
Before anyone could call 911, Shotspotter detected the gunshots, and officers were sent to the scene and were able to make an arrest, said Lt. Eric Miller of the D.C. police.
The system, which has been used in other cities, was installed in the District as a part of a pilot project between D.C. police and the FBI.
Officials said they hope the information gathered will help in the courtroom.
"It has been taken to court and used, in a court of law, to help put a case together and to help substantiate both witness testimony and what law enforcement has recovered as far as evidentiary materials, as well," said FBI special agent Ron Chavarro.
Police won't describe the microphones, or say exactly where they are located to prevent vandalism.
There has been some community concern that the devices could be used to eavesdrop on conversations. However, creators said the system has a filter that only picks up extremely loud noises.
The Shotspotter system went online in August. About half the city is covered right now. The rest will be done in the next few months..
