The NYPD is currently testing out a new device in low income areas of Brownsville, Brooklyn that could cause more harm than good: gunshot detectors. As the name suggests, the gizmos detect gunshots and point surveillance cameras in the relative direction of the loud bangs. The system then snaps photos of possible suspects, or the poor saps who happen to be in that area, and informs police.
According to the Daily News, officers are being instructed to “treat each alert like it’s the real deal.” That’s good to hear. What could possibly go wrong?
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Where should those expensive gadgets be placed Mr. Editor? Randomly across NYC or where the bullets actually fly?
As you've pointed out, these are "expensive gadgets." They shouldn't be placed anywhere in NYC. They're a waste of money and after reading this report (PDF doc), useless. Sending adrenalin-pumped cops won't bid well for the residents of said areas at all. This is nothing but trouble.
it seems you feel that these detectors will cause more trouble, in the sense that innocent people or bystanders will be blamed for real or false incidents, which i don't really see happening. i also don't see why cops would be 'adrenalin-pumped' with these machines, when actual shootings are reported, the police are either there late and not at all pumped, or just not present. to me, the problem is more so police not actively responding to crime affected neighborhoods, not the system in which the crime is reported. however i wouldn't consider these detectors things to be useless or a waste of money, they do utilize cameras so when people are not near their windows as a precaution, or when bystanders decide not to report whatever they witnessed, there are cameras, maybe not incredibly effective but definitely not useless. additionally, it is not a waste of money, it is an attempt to reduce crime that doesn't include profiling, something i'd support.
You're mistaken. It is highly conceivable that these devices will be used to prosecute innocent bystanders. When cops are responding to a shooting immediately after due to these machines, they will most likely be on edge as they will assume that anyone they deal with at the scene may be armed. The proper thing to do is put more cops on the street in these neighborhoods on foot patrol. It should also be in the NYPD's interest to stop treating every resident of certain neighborhoods like they're all criminals. Police harassment of law-abiding citizens is the reason people in those neighborhoods are distrustful and resentful of the police and are more hesitant to report a crime.
Maybe they should open a new community center and Turbo can teach em to break dance. That’ll turn crime around!