The Baltimore Police Department will be testing their ShotSpotter technology in East Baltimore between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, the department announced.
ShotSpotter is technology that uses acoustic sensors to detect, locate, and alert police to gun fire in real time in the city, police said. The system sends digital alerts with the "precise location," number of rounds, and type of gunfire to enabled smart phones, laptops, and police vehicle computers.
Members of the police department's Education and Training section, SWAT team, and patrol will handle security at the scene and test firing. Police said appropriate steps have been taken to maintain safety in the neighborhood during the tests, which should only take a few minutes.
The early evening hours were chosen because acoustics are different at night, police said, and the majority of the city's shootings happen at night.
Although this is a controlled test, police still encourage residents to call 911 if they hear gunfire, during the tests or at any time.
