FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — The City of Freeport says it has seen a significant decrease in "shots fired" incidents since implementing the gunshot detection technology ShotSpotter in 2021.

The number of shots-fired incidents in Freeport dropped from 80 in 2020 to 29 in 2024, according to Police Chief Chris Shenberger. He attributes this decline to the use of ShotSpotter (rebranded as SoundThinking), a technology that helps police respond quickly to gunfire.

"Once we started utilizing ShotSpotter, I think that people who are involved in that type of activity noticed that we were showing up to calls a lot quicker," said Chief Shenberger.

Freeport has reported 21 shots fired incidents this year, a slight increase from previous years. Chief Shenberger noted that this rise could be due to issues

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