Local city invests in technology to track gunshots, dispatching police faster

MCKEESPORT — In order to track shootings throughout the region, police departments are utilizing a tool called “ShotSpotter.”

The gunshot detection system, according to the company’s website, helps save lives by providing precise locations of where gunshots have been fired, in real time.

Because of the technology’s success in the City of Pittsburgh, McKeesport is investing and installing the program throughout the city, thanks to a development block grant.

”It’s been a month and a half, and I can tell you just in a month and a half of having ShotSpotter, we’ve already made a few arrests,” said Mayor Michael Cherepko, City of McKeesport.

Mayor Cherepko tells Channel 11 that the technology is a game-changer and has been a very useful tool for the city’s police department.

With new developments planned for McKeesport, including additional businesses in the downtown corridor, the city wanted to make people feel safe in their community.

“It’s a cost that’s needed here as we continue to make sure our current residents feel safe, along with employers, and new jobs coming into town,” said Cherepko.

The system costs $99,000 a year to maintain.

Cox Media Group