VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach Police Department has expanded its use of gunshot detection technology to the city's Level Green and College Park neighborhoods.
The neighborhoods are located off Indian River Road, across I-64 from Regent University — in the fourth police precinct.
Police say with this expansion, Shotspotter is now keeping watch in all four of the city's precincts.
Watch: ShotSpotter pinpoints where triggers are pulled
VBPD began using the technology, which detects gunfire and alerts police, in 2021. Since then, police say it has picked up more than 1,200 gunfire incidents.
According to a press release from Tuesday, just 23% of gunfire incidents were called into police through 911, but police say Shotspotter allows them to respond to those that aren't called in and investigate.
Captain William Gervin, Commanding Officer of the 4th Precinct, said they're thrilled to have this technology added in their area.
"It’s very, very precise. It gives us the type of round often and how many shots," Capt. Gervin explained.
He also said it can cut down on time, freeing up officers for other calls.
Level Green has seen at least two deadly shootings in just the last few months. Earlier this month, the city agreed to expand a summer activities program into the neighborhood to help curb violence involving children and young adults.
Watch related: ShotSpotter tested at the VB Oceanfront
"We currently have a 53% reduction year-to-date in gun-related homicides and 52% fewer total shooting victims compared to this time last year. ShotSpotter plays an important role in helping VBPD keep a laser-like focus on gun violence," said Chief Paul Neudigate in a statement attached to the release about the expansion.
Councilmember Sabrina Wooten has been pushing for various safety measures in the Level Green area.
"I do commend Chief Neudigate and the Police Department, because this was something we talked about some years ago in the budget. We talked about ensuring that this program, Shotspotter, was not only implemented at the Oceanfront but throughout the city."
Wooten added that she's excited to have Parks After Dark coming to Level Green next year and hopes to see a recreation center built there in the future as ways to keep youth busy with positive activities.
Newport News Police was the first department in Hampton Roads to install Shotspotter in 2019.
