Durham's ShotSpotter deployment date delayed to November

The rollout of ShotSpotter gunfire detection technology in Durham has been pushed back to mid-November, according to the Durham Police Department’s website.

DPD’s ShotSpotter webpage includes links to letters from Police Chief Patrice Andrews to City Manager Wanda Page, outlining the progression of the technology.

• On July 20, Andrews wrote that ShotSpotter representatives will visit locations in the deployment area to gain permission to place 78 sensors.
• On Aug. 5, Andrews told the city manager that staff is preparing a letter for the ShotSpotter team to provide to owners and managers of potential sites.
• On Aug. 19, Andrews wrote that the letter is complete, and that the go-live date has been moved to November, due to a delay by ShotSpotter, and out of the control of the police department and the city.

The linked sample letter to property owners says in the coming weeks, they’ll be contacted by ShotSpotter, and their participation is voluntary.

ShotSpotter provided a statement to WRAL about the change: "ShotSpotter is working closely with the Durham Police Department to map out the most ambitious, yet realistic project schedule to secure the required permissions for sensor placements and to ensure the required training can be delivered prior to go live."

Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton has been a supporter of ShotSpotter. He said this delay just means more time for public engagement.

"After years of debating about it, I can’t be disappointed about a couple of months," Middleton said. "I’m patient because I’d rather get this right than get this quick."

Durham anti-violence activist Sheryl Smith feels the same way.

"If they think they need a little more time to get these problems right, then I support it," Smith said.

However, Smith does not believe ShotSpotter is the only answer to the crime in Durham. She wants more opportunities for young people.

"These kids need something to do," Smith said.