Mayor Victor Treviño: Treating gunshot response as a real-time systems problem in Laredo

Victor Treviño is focusing on funding core services, protecting the cityʼs reputation, and reinforcing public safety, while adding a stronger technology focus. At the January 20 City Council meeting, he proposed expanding Laredoʼs gunshot-detection network, presenting it as both a faster-response tool and a clear deterrent. If a weapon is fired, the city will track it.

Council approved up to $300,000 to purchase and install about 16 additional Raven gunshot-detection sensors from Flock Safety. Each unit costs around $35,000 and will be placed in police-identified hot spots for gunfire. Raven detects shots even when no one calls 911, sending alerts directly to the Real-Time Crime Center, 911 dispatch, and officersʼ mobile devices, giving units faster response and better situational awareness.

Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez explained that LPD has been testing the system for over a year. He emphasized its value in execution, allowing officers to respond more efficiently and safely, with higher chances of arrests since the system confirms shots fired instead of relying on uncertain caller reports. The sensors triangulate sound, requiring at least three devices in an area for accurate pinpointing.

City officials noted that full coverage would require about 106 sensors. This purchase is part of a phased rollout, focusing first on priority districts such as District IV, which experiences more frequent gunfire. Council member Ruben Gutierrez Jr. linked the expansion to broader public safety goals and seasonal spikes in celebratory gunfire, highlighting Laredoʼs advanced use of technology.

Police pointed to a January 16 incident near United South High School, where Raven detected more than 20 gunshots. The system triggered an immediate response that led to a vehicle stop and the recovery of a rifle without a serial number, along with other items. Chief Miguel Rodriguez noted the case was resolved within hours, contrasting it with a previous shooting in an area without detection that took weeks to identify suspects.

Treviñoʼs team also raised the issue of sustainability. While the hardware purchase is funded by the city, ongoing software and hosting costs are currently covered through an Auto Theft grant. If that grant expires, the city may need to allocate local funds, underscoring the importance of long-term planning to ensure technology tools become permanent infrastructure.

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