Tag Archives: ShotSpotter

In which I learn about our use of “Dataminr”

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I have three things to say about this. The Houston Police Department will stay in the ranks of law enforcement agencies around the country using software to monitor social media for information on criminal activity following a City Council vote … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment, Local politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on In which I learn about our use of “Dataminr”

What some Mayoral candidates said to some Republicans

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

I have a few thoughts about this. Houston mayoral candidates took aim at “feel-good” public safety initiatives such as gun buybacks and proposed plans to boost the city budget at a Friday forum organized by United Republicans of Harris County. … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2023 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Is ShotSpotter working?

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

This story would suggest the answer is No. Houston city leaders deployed the gunshot surveillance system ShotSpotter to strengthen police responses in neighborhoods where gunfire too often rings out. But three years into its deployment, crime statistics show the technology hasn’t made a … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Is ShotSpotter working?

ShotSpotter

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

I’m more skeptical than not, but there is a way to make me less so. Two years in, Houston’s ShotSpotter program has resulted in 5,450 alerts, 99 arrests and the seizure of 107 guns, but no real consensus on its … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment, Local politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments