ShotSpotter improves evidence, not crime

Gunshot‑detection systems like ShotSpotter notify police faster and yield more shell casings and witness contacts, but multiple studies (e.g., Chicago, Kansas City) show no consistent gains in clearances or crime reduction. Outcomes hinge on agency capacity—response times, staffing, and evidence processing—so the same tool can underperform in thin departments and help in well‑resourced ones. — This reframes city decisions on controversial policing tech from 'for/against' to whether local agencies can actually convert alerts into solved cases and reduced violence.