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Sparks council renews three‑year ShotSpotter contract amid public concern about cost and surveillance
Summary
The Sparks City Council approved a three‑year, $1.19 million amendment to the city’s contract with Sound Thinking (formerly ShotSpotter) after a police presentation on activations and public commenters urged the city to prioritize officers over technology.
The Sparks City Council on Feb. 23 approved amendment No. 2 to contract AC‑5894 with Sound Thinking Inc., renewing gunshot‑detection services for three years at a total cost of $1,193,969.
Police Chief Chris Crawford told the council the system has produced measurable results during 32 months of use: "ShotSpotter identified 577 activations resulting in 520 calls for service and 124 cases," Crawford said, adding that 542 cartridge casings were recovered from activations and those efforts contributed to 23 arrests. He said the service covers roughly 5.25 square miles and that the annual cost beginning July 1, 2026, is $387,750,…
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