ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection Live in the Resort Area

​VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) is pleased to announce that ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology is now operational in the Oceanfront area as of this afternoon.

To ensure the safety of our community and address concerns regarding gun violence, the City of Virginia Beach has partnered with ShotSpotter to employ their gunshot detection technology. The use of ShotSpotter will ensure VBPD officers are notified of gunshot incidents in seconds instead of minutes or possibly not even being notified at all. National statistics have shown that less than 20 percent of all ShotSpotter activations result in a corresponding call to 911, which allows perpetrators to become emboldened and leads community members to believe police are apathetic to crime conditions.

With the implementation of ShotSpotter, the VBPD will now respond to and thoroughly investigate ALL reports of gunfire identified by the technology within the two-square mile coverage area.

"The safety of our residents, seasonal and permanent workforce, and the millions of visitors who choose to spend their leisure time in the City of Virginia Beach will always be the top priority of the Virginia Beach Police Department," said Chief Paul Neudigate. "As part of a comprehensive violence reduction strategy, we expect the use of this new technology in Virginia Beach will assist the police and community in holding those engaged in gun violence accountable."

Program expansion to additional coverage areas, as identified by historical crime data, is expected in the months ahead.