SC police agency using technology to combat gun violence

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina police agency says they are using technology to combat and reduce gun violence.

During a news conference Friday, the Columbia Police Department announced they are using ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection technology that uses acoustics to detect, locate and alert law enforcement about gunfire in real time.

Officials say data is transmitted wirelessly where it is verified, triangulated and reported to police within approximately 45 seconds.

Police Chief Skip Holbrook said the city council approved their acquisition of the technology in September 2018, and have been implementing the system north of the capital city. He says they are currently the only agency using the technology.

Holbrook says they have received 131 alerts, detected 339 shots and 11 firearms have been seized since deploying the technology April 18.