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Little Rock board rejects $188,000 renewal for ShotSpotter after public outcry
Summary
After more than an hour of public comment and debate, the Little Rock Board of Directors voted 5-3 (with two absences) against a $188,000 contract amendment for Sound Thinking Inc., formerly ShotSpotter, which would have renewed gunshot-detection sensors and added case-management software.
The Little Rock Board of Directors voted down an ordinance to authorize a fourth contract amendment with Sound Thinking Incorporated (formerly ShotSpotter) for up to $188,000 to renew a wide-area gunshot detection service and add case-builder software. The vote failed 5-3 with two members absent; city rules require six affirmative votes to pass the item.
Supporters of rejecting the contract framed the decision as a choice to prioritize community-based prevention and questioned ShotSpotter’s effectiveness. "ShotSpotter isn't it," said Osiris Bali, a community member and newly elected school board member. "Safety is not the presence of force, but it's the presence of resources, care, and opportunity."
The debate drew a lengthy…
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