Roanoke scraps faulty gunshot-sensor program after misplacements and privacy worries

After a brief rollout, Roanoke, Virginia, discontinued its acoustic gunshot detection initiative that relied on Flock Safety’s Raven sensors, citing that 30 of the 41 deployed units were installed at erroneous locations because of address-entry errors. The program, approved in April and financed with a $54,675 federal grant, was already under scrutiny for privacy implications and questionable efficacy. Research from the Independent Institute and city audits reveal false-positive rates exceeding 80 percent and little to no influence on firearm homicide or arrest statistics.

Similar concerns have prompted cities such as Chicago, Oakland, and New York to drop or question ShotSpotter-type systems, citing high operational costs and limited crime-solving value. Critics argue that resources would be better spent on proven policing methods like detective staffing and intelligence-led strategies. Although the detectors are gone, Roanoke continues to operate license-plate readers and surveillance cameras across its streets.