Are Gunshot Detectors Being Used in the Hudson Valley?

Did you know that some parts of the Hudson Valley are using technology that can actually detect the sound of gunfire?

Flock Cameras in the Hudson Valley, NY

Over the last few months, there has been a lot of talk online about certain cities and communities in the Hudson Valley using a fairly new piece of technology to help fight crime and assist police with investigations.

Flock cameras have begun to pop up all across the Hudson Valley, including in Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties. They are used by law enforcement to identify license plates and vehicle characteristics, including make, color, vehicle type, and other unique features in real time. The cameras can be used as a tool to help police track suspects and identify stolen vehicles.

But did you know that some Flock-equipped locations also have a special feature?

Gunshot Detector in Poughkeepsie, NY

Gunshot Detectors in Poughkeepsie, NY

A video posted by The Hudson Valley Explorer revealed that some Flock locations can also be equipped with gunshot detection technology. I'll be honest, I had no idea this was a thing until I saw the video (below) showing one of the gunshot detection devices in Poughkeepsie.

Apparently, this technology has been used in parts of the Hudson Valley for years.

The basic idea is pretty simple. Special sensors are placed around a community and are designed to recognize the sound of a gunshot. When the system detects what it believes is gunfire, it can alert police and provide a location so officers can respond.

As far as I can tell, Poughkeepsie is using gunshot detection technology at specific locations across the city. The exact locations are kept private by the police department for security and privacy reasons.

Newburgh Gunshot Detectors

Newburgh has also been using gunshot detection technology for years. The city launched ShotSpotter in 2017, with the system designed to pinpoint the location of gunfire and alert police dispatchers in real time.

And that's where I started wondering: Why don't more Hudson Valley communities have this?

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Places like Kingston and Middletown don't appear to have any gunshot detection systems currently in place.

Of course, there are some pretty obvious questions that come with technology like this.

Gunshot Detector in Poughkeepsie

How accurate is it? What happens when the system mistakes fireworks or another loud noise for a gunshot? And is the cost worth it?

There has also been criticism of gunshot detection systems, with some arguing that the money could be better spent on additional officers, community policing, and programs aimed at preventing gun violence in the first place.

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But at the same time, if someone is firing a gun in your neighborhood and nobody calls 911, having technology that can potentially alert police seems like it could be incredibly useful.

I'm curious what you think.

Should every city in the Hudson Valley have gunshot detection technology, or is this something that only makes sense in areas that experience more gun violence? Let us know through our station app above.