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Council approves purchase of additional gunshot-detection sensors to cover hot spots
Summary
Council approved up to $300,000 to expand Laredo Police Department's acoustic gunshot-detection system by roughly 16 sensors to improve triangulation and response in known hot spots; police said citywide coverage would require far more devices and steady funding.
The City Council approved a proposal to expand the Laredo Police Department's gunshot-detection system, authorizing up to $300,000 to purchase additional acoustic sensors (the "Ravens" from Flock) to increase triangulation and shorten response times in known hot spots.
Police presented a recent case where the detection system and a citizen report led to rapid arrests after a shooting near United South High School. Lieutenant Romy Matuk described how triangulation of multiple sensors narrows the probable location to a block-scale radius and helps prioritize patrol and detective response. Chief Eduardo Reyes said the department currently has partial coverage and that full citywide coverage would require about 160 devices at substantial cost.
Council and staff discussed grant funding used for the system's base software and the need to ensure ongoing maintenance and software compatibility. The approved funds are intended to augment coverage at targeted high-need locations; councilmembers also discussed pooling district priority funds and seeking additional grants for broader expansion.
Council voted in favor of the motion to allocate mayoral priority funds and seek supplemental contributions; the purchase was approved with the understanding that software and long-term maintenance plans will be monitored and that the department will continue to pursue grant opportunities.
