Date of Award

12-2025

Degree Type

Report

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Economics and Finance

Committee Chair(s)

Briggs Depew (Committee Chair)

Committee

Briggs Depew

Committee

Tyler Brough

Committee

Lucas Rentschler

Abstract

This paper evaluates the impact of acoustic gunshot detection technology (GDT) on crime and policing outcomes in Detroit, Michigan. Leveraging the implementation of ShotSpotter across high-crime neighborhoods, I analyze outcomes including crime rates, emergency calls, police response times, and case clearance. My findings indicate that ShotSpotter installation is associated with a 6% reduction in violent crime but a modest increase in nonviolent crime. The technology also produces a large increase in the reporting of gunfire incidents—over 300% more gunshot-related calls for service—yet police respond 7% slower to ShotSpotter alerts than to citizen-reported gunshots. Consistent with prior research, I find no significant change in case clearance rates. Taken together, the results highlight both the benefits and limitations of GDT: it appears to reduce violent crime and improve detection but imposes significant operational costs in terms of call volume and response efficiency. These findings underscore the need for careful cost-benefit analysis when municipalities consider adopting such technologies, as the net impact depends on both public safety gains and resource trade-offs in already stretched police departments.

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