Independent Research Demonstrates ShotSpotter’s Impact, Effectiveness, Success and Value in Winston-Salem

Rhea-AI Summary

SoundThinking, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSTI) has released a report highlighting the success of its ShotSpotter program in Winston-Salem. The report, based on independent research by the Center for Crime Science and Violence Prevention at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, demonstrates significant benefits across four key metrics:

1. Lives saved: 27 gunshot victims received medical aid, with at least two lives saved directly due to ShotSpotter.
2. Crime reduced: 24% reduction in aggravated assaults and homicides within ShotSpotter's coverage area.
3. Evidence recovered: 4,400% increase in shell casing recovery.
4. Financial ROI: $8.4 to $8.8 million saved annually, yielding a return of $26 for every $1 invested.

The report also suggests that Winston-Salem's proposed drone program would be most effective when paired with existing ShotSpotter technology.

Positive

• ShotSpotter directed police to 27 gunshot victims, potentially saving at least two lives
• 24% reduction in aggravated assaults and homicides within ShotSpotter's coverage area
• 4,400% increase in shell casing recovery, enhancing evidence collection
• $8.4 to $8.8 million annual savings for Winston-Salem
• $26 return on investment for every $1 spent on ShotSpotter

Negative

• None.

Summary: SoundThinking, Inc. today announced recently published independent research that demonstrates benefits of ShotSpotter in Winston-Salem, including lives saved, reduction in violent crime, enhanced evidence collection and an estimated return of $26 for every dollar spent.

FREMONT, Calif., Aug. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SoundThinking, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSTI), a leading public safety technology company, today delivered a report to Winston-Salem officials outlining the well-documented success of the city’s ShotSpotter program. The 29-page report—which incorporates findings, independent studies, and testimonials from a broad array of law enforcement professionals, public officials, and the media—affirms the value that ShotSpotter confers to Winston-Salem across four metrics: (1) lives saved, (2) crime reduced, (3) evidence recovered, and (4) financial return on investment.

SoundThinking’s report relies on an independent academic study authored by the Center for Crime Science and Violence Prevention at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The Center found that over its three-year deployment in Winston-Salem, ShotSpotter has:

• Directed WSPD to 27 gunshot victims who then received medical aid from first responders. WSPD had publicly stated that at least two of these victims’ lives were saved because of ShotSpotter.
• Reduced aggravated assaults and homicides within ShotSpotter’s coverage area by 24%. This compares to a 2% increase in aggravated assaults and homicides in the areas of Winston-Salem where ShotSpotter is not deployed.
• Led to the recovery of 3,476 shell casings within ShotSpotter's coverage area (3 square miles). 3,597 shell casings were recovered across the entire city (134 square miles) during the same period, suggesting that ShotSpotter increases evidence collection by 4,400%.
• Saved Winston-Salem $8.4 to $8.8 million annually due to a decrease in aggravated assaults and homicides. This yields a return of approximately $26 for every $1 invested in ShotSpotter.

SoundThinking also noted that Winston-Salem police department’s proposed drone program will likely be most effective when paired with existing ShotSpotter technology.

Read the formal response here.

“The relationship between SoundThinking and the City of Winston-Salem dates back to August 2021, and is a partnership that we take great pride in due to ShotSpotter’s track record of helping to save lives and reduce violence,” said SoundThinking CEO Ralph Clark. “This independent research reinforces empirically how ShotSpotter helps police better respond to and investigate incidents of gunfire quickly, save lives, and capture critical evidence while strengthening community trust.”

To learn more about SoundThinking’s full range of public safety technologies, please visit www.SoundThinking.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements regarding the effectiveness of Winston-Salem police department’s proposed drone program. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” “target,” “project,” “goals,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “intend,” variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the company’s control. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to the effective use of the company’s technology and achieving its intended benefits, as well as other risk factors included in the company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

About SoundThinking
SoundThinking, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSTI) is a leading public safety technology company that delivers AI- and data-driven solutions for law enforcement, civic leadership, and security professionals. SoundThinking is trusted by approximately 250 customers and has worked with over 2,100 agencies to drive more efficient, effective, and equitable public safety outcomes. The Company’s SafetySmart™ platform includes ShotSpotter^®, the leading acoustic gunshot detection system; CrimeTracer™, the leading law enforcement search engine; CaseBuilder™, a one-stop investigation management system; ResourceRouter™, software that directs patrol and community anti-violence resources to help maximize their impact; SafePointe^®, an AI-based weapons detection system; and PlateRanger powered by Rekor, a leading ALPR solution. SoundThinking has been designated a Great Place to Work^® Company.

Company Contact:
Alan Stewart, CFO
SoundThinking, Inc.
+1 (510) 794-3100
astewart@soundthinking.com

Investor Relations Contacts:
Matt Glover and Greg Bradbury
Gateway Group, Inc.
+1 (949) 574-3860
SSTI@gateway-grp.com

Ankit Hira and Sean Daly
Solebury Strategic Communications
+1 (203) 546-0444
ahira@soleburystrat.com

FAQ

What is the financial return on investment for ShotSpotter in Winston-Salem according to the report?

According to the report, ShotSpotter yields a return of approximately $26 for every $1 invested in Winston-Salem, with annual savings of $8.4 to $8.8 million due to decreased aggravated assaults and homicides.

How has ShotSpotter impacted crime rates in Winston-Salem?

The report indicates that ShotSpotter has reduced aggravated assaults and homicides within its coverage area by 24%, compared to a 2% increase in areas where ShotSpotter is not deployed.

How has ShotSpotter improved evidence collection in Winston-Salem?

ShotSpotter has led to a 4,400% increase in shell casing recovery within its coverage area, with 3,476 shell casings recovered in the 3 square miles covered by ShotSpotter, compared to 3,597 casings recovered across the entire 134 square mile city.

When did Winston-Salem start using ShotSpotter technology?

According to the press release, the relationship between SoundThinking and the City of Winston-Salem dates back to August 2021.