Northeastern city votes to end ShotSpotter contract for gunfire-detection tech designed to fight crime

The city of Cambridge on Monday voted to end its contract with ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system used by police to identify possible shootings in real time. 

The crime-fighting technology deploys a network of acoustic sensors mounted above streets across neighborhoods, designed to detect gunfire-like sounds and automatically alert law enforcement when a suspected shot is heard.

The City Council’s decision follows criticism from opponents who argue the system is unreliable, and can contribute to over-policing.