Little Rock residents oppose ShotSpotter contract citing community safety concerns

The Little Rock City Council meeting on April 2, 2025, focused heavily on the controversial ShotSpotter technology, with community members expressing strong opposition to its continued use. The meeting began with a call to end the contract with Sound Thinking, the company behind ShotSpotter, as residents voiced concerns about its effectiveness and impact on community trust.

Miss BJ Woods opened the discussion, highlighting the negative feedback from a recent community survey. She reported that 86% of respondents opposed the use of ShotSpotter, citing worries about over-policing, damage to community trust, and doubts about the accuracy of alerts. Woods emphasized that the majority of residents feel safe in their neighborhoods and prefer community-driven safety solutions over surveillance technology.

Following Woods, several community members echoed her sentiments. They called for increased police presence and community programs aimed at youth engagement rather than reliance on technology. Concerns were raised about the allocation of funds, with some suggesting that the nearly $200,000 budget for ShotSpotter could be better spent on community-rooted solutions.

Miss Tanya Stafford and Miss Norma Huffman also contributed to the discussion, criticizing the reliance on technology to address crime. They argued that in-person community engagement and support programs are essential for improving safety and trust within neighborhoods. Huffman specifically questioned the effectiveness of cameras and technology in preventing crime, asserting that human action is necessary for real change.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from the community: there is a strong desire for a shift away from surveillance technologies like ShotSpotter towards more holistic and community-focused approaches to public safety. The council is expected to consider this feedback as they deliberate on the future of the ShotSpotter contract.