Holy York Police Discuss Pros of Implementing ShotSpotter Technology

Holyoke, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – The controversy over gunshot detection systems is raging in Holyoke. Some city leaders say they don’t believe it’s the right move for their communities.

The pitch to bring ShotSpotter technology to the City of Holyoke took place during a city council meeting, after which a controversial comment was made by a city councilor suggesting the tool would only harm the people of Holyoke. had.

City of Holy York leaders are considering adding ShotSpotter technology to police crime-fighting tools. But some city council members don’t think this is the best course of action.

At the city council meeting in early September, Jose Maldonado Velez suggested that the tool would only harm the community.

“The second thought of using this tool to get more police into communities is not for me. Not to protect the public. The police have not protected our community for a long time,” said City Councilman Maldonado Velez. “We don’t need any more tools to provide them.”

However, the Holyoke Police Department said there was no truth to his claims and believed the technology would really help the department.

“ShotSpotter will notify local police departments that a firearm was used, where it was used and what type of weapon was used, so they can respond more quickly to catch these criminals,” said Holyoke Police. said Capt. Matthew Moriarty of

This happens during especially violent times in cities where crime is on the rise. In Holyoke City, he’s already had five murders this year.

“Over the past two months our city has suffered a dramatic increase in violent crime,” said Captain Moriarty. “These criminals have committed five murders and claimed five lives.” It robbed me and broke the hearts of many family members and friends.”

Western Mass News contacted the Springfield Police Department, which has been using ShotSpotter technology for over 12 years. Deputy Chief Stephen Kent shared with us an accurate recording he got from the technology over the phone and said it improved response times significantly.

“Seconds matter when it comes to shooting casualties,” Kent said. “A suspect is arrested every second.”

He said technology has saved many lives in Springfield, without which we would never know about 70% of the city’s shootings.

“We don’t report it as a 911 call, which means 70% of people don’t,” Kent told us. “So without ShotSpotter, officers wouldn’t know where to respond or what they were going to get into.”

He added that the technology is non-discriminatory and only alerts officers when a gun fires.

“Mike doesn’t perceive color,” Kent said. “They don’t know who’s behind the gun. They just bring the police to where the shot was fired.”

Holyoke Police Department is asking alderman Maldonado Velez to publicly apologize for his remarks at the City Council.

We have reached out to Rep. Maldonado Velez for further comment, but have yet to receive a response.

The ShotSpotter discussion was brought up at another Holy York City Council meeting.

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