SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane police will soon use new technology to combat a concerning increase in shootings as the department works to identify possible repeat offenders responsible for multiple gun crimes.
The Spokane Police Department will begin using a database to analyze bullet casings and connect shootings across the county more rapidly.
The technology comes as the city has recorded 103 non-injury shootings this year compared to 69 during the same period last year. 17 non-injury shootings were reported in September alone.
SPD said officers often find little at the scene after these kinds of shootings, but the threat is still serious.
"These are all concerning in that every time a bullet leaves the barrel of a gun, the potential to seriously injure or kill somebody exists for sure,"