TOLEDO, Ohio — ShotSpotter has been a staple in neighborhoods across Toledo with the ability to detect gunshots and alert police to an approximate location of where a weapon was fired.
But in the Junction neighborhood, the decision has been made to stop using the technology. It is a decision that is being met with criticism from a community leader.
Otha Jones is the founder of Soul City Gym and Soul City Recreation Center of Learning. He said that as an elder in the community, he must continue advocating for the kids.
"We facilitate 60 to 100 kids year-round and we still don't get help," Jones said.
He said the area by the gym has been charged as a safe zone, which is desperately needed in the Junction neighborhood. However, he said it can only be so safe since drivers speed down Junction Avenue.
"This is considered a safe zone. So, in this safe zone, during those hours we're safe," Jones said. "But, we have a nightclub down here. After hours this very street turns into something else."
Since June 2019, Toledo police have been able to get real-time alerts from ShotSpotters across the city, which is a faster process than 911 calls. A TPD spokesperson told WTOL 11 that the Junction neighborhood's ShotSpotter will no longer be used because of budgeting.
Jones said he sees this removal as a lack of community support and wished the city would do more for his neighborhood.
"If we could get it, we'd like a ShotSpotter over here. We'd like speed bumps over here. We'd like a police, friendly, presence over here to care about the kids," Jones said.
But, Jones stressed that regardless, he will continue supporting the area with plans to open up a religious community center next to the gym.
Toledo police said they are not sure if the other ShotSpotters may be discontinued. So, for now, we will wait and see.
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