Protect Your Building from the Unexpected with a Gunshot Detection System

We hope you’ll never need a gunshot detection system, but if you ever do, you’ll be eternally grateful to have it. If armed individuals pass through your business’ security, there are few options left to take action. But whether you manage a school, music venue, government building, or shopping mall, a gunshot detection system can interfere where human instincts cannot.

In the event of a shooting, frenzied 911-calls are often challenging to pinpoint precisely where a firing occurred. But with a detection system incorporated into your security system, a chain of events will help you protect the building and notify authorities.

Continue reading to learn more about the history of gunshot detection technology, how it works, and how it can benefit your River Oaks, TX establishment.

SEE ALSO: How to Best Prepare Your School for an Active Shooter

The History of Gunshot Detection

Gunshot detection has been used since before World War I, but it was first brought to the public in the 1990s in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park, California. The area was deemed the murder capital of the world, and the police were often called to investigate where residents reported gunshots. However, there was no way to determine the source from scattered 911 calls.

John C. Lahr, a Ph.D. seismologist, approached the police department to suggest applying seismological techniques to gunshots. Using his background monitoring earthquakes, Lahr created a command center in his home, recording data while his wife monitored the police radio.

Today, gunshot detection technology has significantly advanced and is being used across the country from Birmingham to Boston. The Savannah College of Art and Design is using it inside academic buildings, and South Africa’s Kruger National Park has implemented it to prevent rhino poaching.

How It Works Today

If a gunshot goes off on your premises, the system will use either acoustic, infrared, or shockwave sensors (or a combination of all three) to identify where the explosive charge ignited. It will locate the source and direction of the shot and then use zero false lead technology to differentiate gunshots from similar sounds like fireworks or car backfires. This will prevent possible false alarms, reducing panic.

Once the gunshot is located, it can trigger a series of events through your security system to take action. Authorities will automatically be contacted, and a notification will be sent across mobile devices and mass communication systems to notify your staff and security team. Alarms will go off, and your security will be able to lock down targeted areas instantly. You’ll be able to inform the police exactly where the shooting occurred, so there won’t be any confusion.

Give yourself peace of mind and contact ASAP Security Services to discuss bringing gunshot detection to your River Oaks, TX business. Give us a call at (877) 418-ASAP or contact us online here.