Roanoke council repeals Raven gunshot‑sensor ordinance after data‑entry errors; city to remove devices

Roanoke City Council on the afternoon agenda voted to repeal a previous ordinance that authorized installation of Raven gunshot‑detection sensors after the city manager reported an internal review found errors in the installation list and in how the rollout was handled. City Manager Turner told the council the installation list contained misspelled and incorrect addresses and that installations were immediately stopped when discrepancies were discovered.

"To date, 80% of the installed devices have been removed," Miss Turner said in presenting the investigation results, adding that the sensors are inactive and that the city anticipates full removal by the end of the week. She told council the rollout damaged public trust and that staff are completing a reconciliation of ordinance, permits, plan documents, coordinates and contract requirements.

Mayor Cobb and multiple council members said they were disappointed by the preventable process failure but praised the administration’s prompt investigation and transparency. After brief discussion the council moved, seconded, and adopted the ordinance to repeal the prior authorization on a unanimous roll call vote. Council recorded all Ayes and the repeal ordinance was adopted.

The manager said that activation and further installations are suspended and "will not be revisited unless directed by city council," emphasizing that future use of similar technologies would require clearer process controls and council direction. The council did not endorse any specific alternative technology during the meeting; several members and public speakers reiterated interest in long‑term violence‑reduction strategies such as community investment and prevention programs.