Story Outline

Sound Technology Helps Police Locate Gunfire From a news story by CNN San Francisco Reporter Rusty Dornin October 2003

I. Redwood City, California police have a new tool to fight crime.

A. When there were gunshots, they used to hunt for clues by hand.
B. If a gun is fired today, they can hear the shot at the station.
C. The new technology is called the ShotSpotter.
D. In 1995, they first tested the new system.

II. Police in Redwood City watched a video on celebratory gunfire.

A. The video was about a New Year’s celebration in 1995
B. After watching the video, the police decided to order the ShotSpotter.
C. ShotSpotter has reduced Redwood City gunfire.
D. Gunfire in Redwood City has declined by 40% since 1995.

III. The ShotSpotters are put on top of homes and businesses.

A. There are eight microphones put on various roofs.
B. The ShotSpotter covers gunfire over a square mile area.
C. Police are contacted seven seconds after a loud bang.
D. A red dot appears on the police map showing the site of the gunfire

IV. ShotSpotters are very costly but work well.

A. One costs the police $200,000.
B. The accuracy level is 20 to 40 feet, plus or minus.
C. ShotSpotters are very helpful in crime-ridden areas.
D. The D.C. snipers might have been arrested sooner with a ShotSpotter.

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