US tech eavesdrops for gunfire but critics attack Black focus


Workers review ShotSpotter alerts at a centre in California in 2019. — ShotSpotter

WASHINGTON: When Toledo experienced a spike in gun violence, the Ohio city police force turned to a simple if controversial tool: it miked up part of the city to capture the sound of gunfire.

Advocates say that always-on microphone systems are a good way to catch criminals and help victims quickly, spawning a multimillion-dollar industry as US shootings soar.

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