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"ShotSpotter" having big problems
Story here.
I wonder that the machine's results are even admissible in court. Some tests are, like fingerprints and DNA, because they are accepted and have been proven to the point that their results are admissible without having to call an expert to prove that, for example, the odds of two people having the same fingerprint or DNA are very, very low. But this technology is said to rely upon algorithms that will not be disclosed, and upon some human judgment. I can see it being good enough for probable cause, but admission into evidence at trial? This machine says the defendant is guilty, and no, we won't tell you how the machine works? I'd be one thing to say, we got three digital records from these locations, they are gunshot sounds and of the same shot, and a human triangulated the location of the shot, but this machine, by secret methods, does the same, is a different matter.
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One more boondoggle like shell casing comparison, ballistic fingerprinting, gun registration, and bite mark analysis.
Thank you, I have been following this company since near when the technology was first deployed. The communities were it is deployed are clearly places to stay away from; thus it is providing some public service.
One only need look at current (and past directors) and investors to understand this is a government oligarch "revolving door" scam; advancing the infringement of every law abiding citizen's freedoms (supposedly Constitutionally protected). It is analogous to the body scanners deployed at all airports (TSA is a separate unlawful infringement), "Red Light" programs, license plate scanners, other thermal scanners, etc.
Work for the government join the board or management of a company which was previously marketing its technology to functions you were involved in, make a fortune (because Lord knows your government pensions, double-, triple-, or more dips are not enough).
"Shotspot" is based on the presumptive principles that anyone who (sans badge) carries a firearm and uses it is "guilty until proven innocent", technology is infallible, and LE is apolitical and trustworthy.
What the uninformed citizens need learn: i) basic foundational principles of the US Constitution; ii) "jury nullification"; and iii) courage.