US device that finds gunman in seconds to be tested by police

Technology used by the US military to trace snipers in Iraq and Afghanistan is to be employed by British police to combat gun crime and terrorism.

The ShotSpotter system, already used by police in 29 cities across the US, uses patented technology to detect the exact location of gunfire or explosives within 80ft in less than seven seconds. It works by using an elaborate network of microphones placed on lamp posts, rooftops, masts and pylons in urban crime hotspots.

The sensors, grouped between 15 and 20 per square mile, recognise the sound of gunfire or mortar. Within five to seven seconds of a shot or explosion, they send signals to each other via GPS (global positioning system), locating the source through "acoustic triangulation". Less than a second later, a parallel video system can zoom in on the same spot, potentially identifying any criminals. Within 15 seconds of the shot, a detailed message is sent to police operators.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/us-device-that-finds-gunman-in-seconds-to-be-tested-by-police-884236.html