Brockton police test ShotSpotter program

BROCKTON, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Brockton police are testing a new ShotSpotter program in their city. They are keeping quiet about the locations of the devices, because they don't want criminals to be tipped off.

Astou Bah, a beauty salon owner, was one of the hundreds of Brockton residents who got a reverse 911 call from Brockton police Tuesday saying, "Don't be alarmed if you hear gunshots in your neighborhood."

The message was sent out because police are testing the ShotSpotter program, which features devices that detect gunshots. They are installed on city buildings, lamp posts, and various areas in high crime ridden areas.

Resident Bernadette Ringeles said, "It's a good idea to be able to pinpoint where the shots are coming from."

The devices are supposed to pick up gunshots anywhere from a one to five mile range. The program is supposed to pinpoint the area of the shooting.

Brockton police are not releasing any other information about the program, they were just doing a test run Tuesday. On Friday morning, the media is expected to get a briefing on the program.

Cox Media Group