ShotSpotter and gun crime data
It is a clone of this request.
| Submitted | Aug. 20, 2021 |
MuckRock users can file, duplicate, track, and share public records requests like this one. Learn more.
Communications
From: Todd Feathers
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
1) A copy of the department's ShotSpotter database containing every alert that has been generated by the department's ShotSpotter Flex system since January 1, 2016. The list/database should include the date, time, location (address or latitude+longitude coordinates), single or multiple shot distinction, semi-automatic or high-capacity distinction, number of shooters, notes added by the ShotSpotter or dispatch reviewer (where applicable), and unique alert ID. If the department tracks whether the alert was confirmed as a definite or likely gunshot, please also include that data. Please note: The requested data is all readily available and exportable from the ShotSpotter Flex system, as demonstrated by the attached documents.
2) Data from the department's CAD system (or comparable system) detailing every report of shots fired since January 1, 2016. Where possible, this data should include: date, time, location (address or latitude+longitude coordinates), distinction as to how the report was made (e.g., via ShotSpotter, a call to 911, or otherwise), whether the gunfire was confirmed, and any other pertinent information.
I ask that all fees be waived as I am a journalist and intend to use the requested records to publish articles in the public interest. In the event you choose to impose fees, I request a detailed breakdown of the fees, including the hourly wage of each employ involved and an explanation justifying the employee hours required to fulfill the request.
Should you choose to reject this request or redact portions of it, I ask that you provide a detailed breakdown of the statutory exemptions and associated case law underlying your decision to withhold each/any portion from public review.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter.
I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Todd Feathers
From: Muckrock Staff
Hello,
Please find the request form attached. Thank you for your help with this request.
Sincerely,
MuckRock
From: Department of Emergency Management
Please see attached regarding your records request.
Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
From: Todd Feathers
Hello,
In an August 12 email, in response to an identical public records request I submitted to the San Francisco Police Department, the department told me that the "SFPD does not maintain these records. Please contact the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management for such records."
Which agency is responsible for monitoring ShotSpotter alerts and retaining ShotSpotter records?
Todd
From: Department of Emergency Management
Hello,
We can provide a history of all calls coded as “shots fired” that were reported, and we can provide a history of calls generated as the result of a ShotSpotter notification.
But as previously advised, we do not maintain a “ShotSpotter database containing every alert that has been generated by the department's ShotSpotter Flex system since January 1, 2016. The list/database should include the date, time, location (address or latitude+longitude coordinates), single or multiple shot distinction, semi-automatic or high-capacity distinction, number of shooters, notes added by the ShotSpotter or dispatch reviewer (where applicable), and unique alert ID.”
Custodian of Records
Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
From: Todd Feathers
Yes, please provide both the lists you mentioned. That satisfies the request.
Thank you,
Todd
From: Department of Emergency Management
Again, per my prior communication, we are happy to provide a history of calls for service. As indicated on the request form you completed, requests exceeding 100 pages are billed at $0.10 per page. For your convenience, I have attached a copy of the invoice we previously provided. We are unable to release records until payment has been received in full.
Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
From: Todd Feathers
To Whom It May Concern:
Please find enclosed a check for $14.21 to satisfy the fee associated with the attached public records request.
Thank you.
Department of Emergency Management
PRA Office
1011 Turk St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following California Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 20, 2021. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Department of Emergency Management
As we advised on 08/24/2021, we are happy to provide a history of calls for service. As indicated on the request form you completed, requests exceeding 100 pages are billed at $0.10 per page. For your convenience, I have again attached a copy of the invoice we previously provided. We are unable to release records until payment has been received in full. To date, payment has not been received.
Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
From: Department of Emergency Management
A copy of documents responsive to the request.
-
Responsive Documents
From: Todd Feathers
To Whom It May Concern:
Please find enclosed a check for $14.21 to satisfy the fee associated with the attached public records request.
Thank you.
Department of Emergency Management
PRA Office
1011 Turk St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
From: Department of Emergency Management
A fix is required to perfect the request.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following California Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 20, 2021. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Department of Emergency Management
It looks like this agency uploaded responsive documents to a portal or link sharing site. Our team is working on moving them over, so please check back soon.
We processed this request and mailed it out on 09/29/2021
Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
From: Todd Feathers
Hello,
Thank you very much for your help with this request, but please provide the responsive documents in their native electronic format (e.g., as a .csv file). The California Public Records Act (Section 6253.9) states:
"(a) Unless otherwise prohibited by law, any agency that has information that constitutes an identifiable public record not exempt from disclosure pursuant to this division that is in an electronic format shall make that information available in an electronic format when requested by any person.
(b) When applicable, the agency shall do the following:
(1) The agency shall make the information available in any electronic format in which it holds the information."
The responsive data could very easily have been sent in a .csv, .xlx, or other database file type. I'm struggling to understand why the department chose to manually turn it into a pdf and cover it in "void."
Please acknowledge receipt of this message and confirm that your are processing my request.
Todd Feathers
From: Department of Emergency Management
A copy of documents responsive to the request.
-
Responsive Documents
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following California Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 20, 2021. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Department of Emergency Management
It looks like this agency uploaded responsive documents to a portal or link sharing site. Our team is working on moving them over, so please check back soon.
Hello Mr. Feathers,
Your email will be forwarded to our Data Manager who can help answer your questions. Unfortunately, this department does not maintain the records that you are requesting.
Custodian of Records
SF Dept. of Emergency Management
Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
From: Department of Emergency Management
A copy of documents responsive to the request.
From: Department of Emergency Management
Mr Feathers,
What we can provide for you from custodian of records is a list of calls for service involving , shotspotter, person with a gun, reports of shots fired , and shootings. Our calls for service with for Custodian of Records can only go back 3years. A letter will be included with our printouts to explain. The printouts will be mailed to the address listed , due to we cannot email Requests. I will send it certified mail today. We cannot provide the details you are looking for with Shotspotter , but there is a Shotspotter website you can access for that specific information. Our office can only provide a history of calls for service.
Custodian of Records
SF Dept. Of Emergency Management
Files
pages