The need for a system that detects the presence and location of gunfire or other weapon fire in public buildings and businesses has increased dramatically in recent years. A gunshot detection system can determine the location of gunfire using a combination of acoustic, vibration, optical, or other kinds of sensors.
These systems have been adapted for law enforcement operations to provide gunshot detection over a large area to an accuracy within a few feet. Many systems can be implemented indoors or outdoors. Urban systems can incorporate a geographic information system, allowing the display to show each incident’s address and position on a map. Systems for detecting gunshots inside properties can use detailed floor layouts with a detector location overlay to show where the shooters are.
Most gunshot detection systems are composed of:
- A geographically dispersed arrangement of microphones or sensors such as accelerometers or infrared detectors
- A processing unit
- A user-interface that can display alerts
These systems can be installed in government offices, schools, and businesses to identify the source and direction of gunfire, and the type of weapon fired. It’s important to have technology that will alert first responders to shooting instances as they occur, providing them with critical information prior to their arrival on the scene. Gunshot detection technology also has the ability to record evidence of the incident which can assist with the forensic analysis by law enforcement.
AFA Protective Systems, A Pavion Company recently teamed up with CTSI, A Pavion Company to install HALO detectors with special features for vape and gunshot detection in a Virginia school. With key safety sensors the HALO technology can detect vape and marijuana levels, along with chemical and gas detection. HALO smart sensors can also detect phrases such as yelling “help”, gunshot sounds, aggression sound levels, occupancy levels, light levels, and motion.
Having gunshot detection technology on your property can help save lives and deter crime. The ability of this technology to detect the sound of a gunshot, transmit messages to law enforcement, and display alerts on the user-interface can help make your property safer.
