Gunshot location systems the transfer of the sniper detection technology from military to civilian applications

Abstract

Since its first appearance by mid-nineties, gunshot location systems have become a valuable tool for acoustics surveillance against the illegal use of firearms in high crime urban areas. Sometimes criticized, the use of this technology is however spreading to more countries due its capability to provide not only gunshot related real time information, but also situational awareness and criminalistics evidence. This paper reviews the development of gunshot location technology, starting from its origin as a military solution for counter sniper operations, up to current days of intelligence led policing and of marketing strategies based on service demand. Acoustical emissions from gunfire events and its influence in shooter localization performance are analyzed. Fundamentals of gunshot origin estimation from muzzle blast wave analysis, and of trajectory estimation of supersonic projectiles from ballistic shock wave analysis, are overviewed. Gunshot location systems are furthermore described in terms of acoustical sensors architectures and its impact in the gunshot location result. Pros and cons of different approaches to data transmission, from wired to wireless, are discussed. Finally, the current status of research, development and implementation of this technology in the Latin America region are presented.