TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM: Brook Redding, MPA, PMP, Senior Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: September 2, 2025
RE:Title
Evaluation of ShotSpotter Technology - Final Report Presentation by the Wilson Center for Science and Justice
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 2: Safe and Secure Community
Goal 4: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
Executive Summary:
This item provides a briefing from the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke University on the City's independent evaluation of ShotSpotter technology. The report represents 18 months of data analysis and field evaluation in Fayetteville and is being presented in response to Council direction issued during the September 2023 contract renewal.
Background:
ShotSpotter (now SoundThinking) was first implemented in Fayetteville in December 2022 and currently provides gunshot detection coverage in three designated one-square-mile areas. In September 2023, as part of the City Council's annual renewal of the ShotSpotter contract, Council directed staff to initiate an independent review of the program's effectiveness and value to the City.
The Wilson Center for Science and Justice was selected to conduct the evaluation, which included analysis of ShotSpotter alerts, 911 call data, police response times, and case outcomes. The evaluation compared 18 months of pre- and post-deployment data to assess trends, impact, and operational use.
Issues/Analysis:
The Wilson Center team will provide a brief presentation and respond to questions from Council during the work session. The updated full report has been included in the agenda packet and will be published publicly following the meeting.
Budget Impact:
There is no new budgetary impact associated with the presentation. The evaluation was previously authorized and funded.
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