Market Trends of Gunshot Detection Systems Industry
The Law Enforcement Segment Is Anticipated to Record the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period
Amid rising concerns over community violence, law enforcement agencies are pivoting toward advanced technologies. One such technology gaining prominence is gunshot detection technology (GDT). This system is outfitted with an array of outdoor acoustic sensors and automatically detects and confirms firearm discharges, promptly alerting police dispatchers and officers with precise time and location details.
In their quest to bolster crime-solving capabilities, global police departments are increasingly integrating acoustic gunshot detection systems (AGDs), often known by the brand name ShotSpotter. These AGDs, comprising outdoor sound sensors, promptly pinpoint gunfire locations, enabling swift police responses and ensuring timely medical aid. Not only can these sensors gauge the number of shooters and discern shots from semi-automatic weapons, but they also excel in identifying shots from moving vehicles and their directions. While the initial investment for such systems can range from USD 65,000 to USD 85,000 per square mile, with a minimum coverage area of 3 square miles, many law enforcement agencies are considering leasing options. Leasing provides a more financially manageable approach, broadening the technology's accessibility to a wider range of departments.
Law enforcement agencies globally are increasingly embracing gunshot detection systems. In a notable move, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, in February 2022, unveiled plans to trial gunshot detection systems on the city's east side, aiming to curb the surge in violent crime in Indiana's capital. Officials in Indianapolis stressed that the technology's swift gunfire location pinpointing and relay to officers were pivotal in enhancing their response to such incidents. Indianapolis' adoption mirrors a broader national trend, responding to the escalating homicide rates witnessed across the US in recent years.
North America is Expected to Showcase Remarkable Growth During the Forecast Period
North America is set to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by heightened investments from the US government in advanced gunshot detection technologies and the proactive measures taken by key market players. Data from the Gun Violence Archive, which monitors incidents involving four or more individuals (excluding the perpetrator) being killed or injured, revealed 131 such public shootings in the US by early 2023. Notably, the count of mass shootings had already surpassed previous years by March 2023.
Reflecting on recent years, the US saw 610, 690, and 647 mass shooting incidents in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. In 2022 alone, fatalities surged to 44,290, marking a 31% increase. The majority of these deaths were attributed to firearm suicides, closely followed by homicides. This rise in public shootings is directly linked to the increasing rates of gun ownership in the US. Underscoring this, the National Shooting Sports Foundation reported 16.4 million gun sales in 2022. Simultaneously, US law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing advanced gunshot detection systems. These systems, capable of pinpointing the origin and direction of gunshots, enable law enforcement to respond swiftly and neutralize threats.
Highlighting this, a state-of-the-art portable gunshot detection system, Shooter Detection System (SDS) Outdoor, was introduced in December 2022. Developed in collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate and Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) of Rowley, MA, this system provides real-time insights into outdoor shooting incidents. Moreover, this portable system, an advancement of the existing guardian indoor shooter detection system, utilizes both sound and flash cues to validate each gunshot, significantly reducing false positives. With the surge in gun sales and the escalating mass shooting incidents, the US is primed for substantial growth in gun detection systems in the near future.
