Shots ‘Spotted,’ Arrests Made, Guns Seized

On May 30, at 2:02 AM, the ShotSpotter system detected four gunfire incidents in the Bayview, identifying the distinct location of each. The shots were fired in close succession and proximity. Officers from Bayview Station were immediately dispatched to the area. Upon arrival, they spotted a vehicle driving away from the scene, erratically and at a high rate of speed.

The officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. After securing the subjects, the officers looked inside the vehicle, where two firearms were in plain view. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a third firearm. All four subjects were arrested and booked on felony firearms violations. One of the guns was reported stolen three weeks before.

This is an excellent example of how technology can inform and augment policing. Indeed, it is one clear example of how ShotSpotter is an effective tool in solving and preventing crime. These unlawful discharges would not have been detected or reported if ShotSpotter were not in place, as there were no citizen reports of this incident. Because of this, four arrests were made and three guns were seized – guns that are no longer in circulation and cannot be used in further criminal acts.

Significant Decreases in Non-Fatal Shootings

A couple of days ago, I blogged on a 21% increase in gun seizures. Following up on this, and in advance of Monday’s BOS Public Safety Committee Hearing, I’d like to share another series of positive statistics.

City-wide, comparing 2008 and 2007, non-fatal shootings fell an impressive 36%. Mirroring and driving this, within the five geographically-defined Violence Reduction Zones, non-fatal shootings fell 33% (broken down by Zone below).

These reductions can be traced, in large part, to a determined focus on those discrete geographic areas in which statistical analyses – and practical experience – inform us that a disproportionate amount of crime occurs. By focusing resources and relying on smart and responsive deployment strategies, the Police Department has been able to maintain downward pressure on non-fatal shootings – not only within the Zones but across the City.

While some areas are still presenting a challenge, these are positive trends. They are the clear and quantifiable product of the dedication and responsiveness of the men and women of the SFPD. We should commend them for their efforts. It’s also important to note that while the Police Department played a large part in this, other stakeholders – community-based organizations, business owners, civic organizations – were as well key and deserve recognition.

Decreases in Non-Fatal Shootings by Zone

Zone	Area	% Chg
1	Tenderloin	-48%
2	Western Addition	-72%
3	Mission	-25%
4	Bayview (3 parts)	+2%
5	Sunnydale/Ingleside	-38%
	All Zones	-33%
	City-wide	-36%