Cambridge City Council Votes To Temporarily Restore ShotSpotter System

ShotSpotter uses a network of acoustic sensors to detect suspected gunfire and alert law enforcement to its approximate location.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 4, 2026 9:55 AM EDT

Supporters argued the system can improve emergency response times and help officers investigate shootings, while opponents questioned its accuracy and whether it has been proven to reduce gun violence. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

CAMBRIDGE, MA — The City Council voted this week to temporarily restore its ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, allowing the city to move forward with a 90-day trial while officials gather additional information before deciding whether to reinstate the technology permanently.

The vote passed with a total of six in favor against three opposed during Monday night's meeting to restore the gunshot detection system for 90 days while city officials collect additional data and community feedback. The approval allows the city to evaluate the technology before councilors determine whether to bring it back on a long-term basis.

The vote marks the latest development in an ongoing debate over ShotSpotter. The City Council voted in May to discontinue the technology following concerns about privacy and its effectiveness. The issue returned to the forefront after the July 4 fatal shooting of Cambridge Department of Public Works employee Xavier Bautista. Prosecutors allege Bautista was shot by multiple masked men after leaving his home early that morning, but police were not notified until pedestrians discovered him approximately an hour later. Authorities have since charged Rayquon Brown, 29, of Canton, with murder and related firearm offenses in connection with the killing, while the investigation remains ongoing. Monday's meeting included public comment from residents, advocacy groups and community members before councilors took their vote.

While supporters and opponents remained divided over whether the technology should return, much of the discussion focused on whether ShotSpotter provides enough public safety benefits to outweigh concerns about privacy and effectiveness. Supporters argued the system can improve emergency response times and help officers investigate shootings, while opponents questioned its accuracy and whether it has been proven to reduce gun violence.

ShotSpotter uses a network of acoustic sensors to detect suspected gunfire and alert law enforcement to its approximate location. With the vote complete, the city will move forward with restoring the system for 90 days while officials gather additional information before the City Council considers whether to reinstate the technology permanently.