Little Rock Activists Push City Board to Drop ShotSpotter Deal Amid Police Reform Calls" (149 characters) *Keeps original focus but sharpens

# **Little Rock Activists Demand City Board Reject Controversial ShotSpotter Deal**

**Breaking Now News (BNN)** – Police reform advocates are urging the Little Rock City Board to reject a proposed contract renewal with ShotSpotter, the controversial gunshot detection system, arguing it wastes taxpayer money and disproportionately targets minority communities.

## **Why Activists Oppose ShotSpotter**

Critics of the gunfire-detection technology cite several key concerns:

- **Questionable Accuracy** – Studies suggest ShotSpotter frequently misidentifies sounds as gunshots, leading to unnecessary police deployments.
- **Racial Bias Concerns** – Data shows deployments often focus on predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods, raising fears of over-policing.
- **High Cost, Low Impact** – Little Rock has spent millions on ShotSpotter despite mixed evidence of crime reduction.
- **Privacy Issues** – The system’s use of microphones to detect gunfire raises surveillance concerns.

## **Supporters Argue ShotSpotter Saves Lives**

Proponents, including some city officials and law enforcement, claim the technology helps:

- **Reduce Response Times** – Police say it allows faster reactions to shootings, potentially saving lives.
- **Improve Evidence Collection** – ShotSpotter alerts can guide officers to shell casings and crime scenes.
- **Deter Gun Violence** – Some argue its presence discourages illegal gunfire in high-crime areas.

## **City Board Faces Tough Decision**

The Little Rock City Board is expected to vote on the contract soon, reigniting a heated debate over policing tactics and budget priorities. Activists plan to pack the meeting, urging officials to invest in alternative solutions like community violence prevention programs.

### **What Do You Think?**

- Should Little Rock continue funding ShotSpotter despite concerns about accuracy and bias?
- Are gunshot detection systems an effective tool for public safety or a waste of taxpayer dollars?
- Would defunding programs like ShotSpotter lead to more crime, or could the money be better spent elsewhere?
- Do you trust AI-powered policing tools, or do they risk increasing surveillance in marginalized communities?

Share your thoughts—let’s discuss in the comments!