The Surveillance Advisory Board held a special meeting on August 21, 2025, in Vallejo, California, to discuss the effectiveness and implications of the city's gunshot detection system. The meeting focused on the analysis of over 500 gunshot alerts generated by the system, known as Raven alerts, and the challenges in confirming actual gunfire incidents.

The discussion began with a review of how the police department determines whether a Raven alert corresponds to a confirmed gunshot. Key criteria for confirmation include the presence of a gunshot wound victim on the scene, physical evidence such as shell casings, or surveillance footage showing evidence of a shooting. It was noted that while there were over 500 alerts, only a small fraction—approximately 50—were confirmed as actual gunshots. The remaining alerts fell into a category of unconfirmed incidents, which does not necessarily indicate that no gunfire occurred.

Board members raised questions about the potential for multiple alerts from a single incident, particularly in cases of continuous gunfire. It was clarified that while multiple sensors may detect the same gunfire, the system is designed to triangulate the location and generate a single alert for that incident. However, if there are pauses between shots, this could lead to additional alerts being generated.

The meeting highlighted the complexities of interpreting gunshot detection data and the importance of accurate reporting and confirmation processes. Board members expressed the need for clear communication regarding the limitations of the system and the implications of unconfirmed alerts.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in accurately assessing gunshot incidents and the need for continued evaluation of the technology's effectiveness in enhancing public safety. Further discussions and analyses are expected as the board seeks to improve the system's reliability and community trust.