Little gadgets strategically placed in Miami's toughest neighborhoods could help police catch criminals.
They're called gunshot detection devices.
"Given the number of shootings in the city of Miami, we have to do whatever it takes to ensure that our streets are safe, that our residents are safe," said Miami city commissioner Francis Suarez.
He's studying the technology along with Miami Police. The product is called 'shotspotter.'
Highly trained audio technicians man a control center in California around the clock. When they hear gunfire they contact the appropriate authorities. The sensors would be installed in areas notorious for shootings.
Experts can differentiate between shooting scenarios. For instance, one gun being fired sounds different than multiple shooters. Sensors also pinpoint, with great accuracy, where shots are being fired.
The system is being used in about 75 communities, including major cities like Oakland and Boston.
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"In terms of thinking outside the box and coming up with a technology that may help the police department in a variety of different things because we have to look at it," said Suarez. "It would be irresponsible for us not to."
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