Maria Diaz lives down the street from a shooting that landed five young men in the hospital. Concerns like hers led to a community meeting Tuesday where neighbors brought the ambitious idea to introduce ShotSpotter to the area.
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Fresno police are the only agency with the technology in the Valley. Its sensors can detect gunshots and generate a faster response than calling 911.
In a community where people are hesitant calling the police, supporters say the system will cut down on crime.
"You're talking about more security, I'm pretty sure if somebody else saw a difference in their community I'm pretty sure we'll see one here," Diaz said.
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However, ShotSpotter is expensive, it costs $65,000 dollars for one square mile, the size of Malaga. The alternative, hiring a sheriff's deputy to monitor the area is likely to be even more costly.
Neighbor, Jim Anderson said, "It's the start, it's the start of a public discussion about public safety, and can ShotSpotter promote public safety."
That conversation is already beginning with the board of supervisors as well as the sheriff's office.