A Statement From At-Large Council Member Olgy Diaz on ShotSpotter

Council Member Olgy Diaz has articulated her concerns about the ShotSpotter technology being implemented in Tacoma, focusing on its implications for community safety and potential over-policing. She highlights the importance of data integrity and reassures residents that the Tacoma Police Department will not share data with external parties and will discontinue the technology if it conflicts with agency values. Diaz acknowledges the challenges in predicting the technology's impact on response times and staffing in various neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation. The ShotSpotter pilot is part of a larger Department of Justice grant that provides other critical tools for crime investigation, such as advanced imaging and fingerprinting technologies. Community engagement is a focal point of the initiative, with opportunities for residents to learn more and voice their opinions at neighborhood meetings.

Diaz encourages Tacomans, especially those in the pilot's implementation areas, to actively participate in discussions. The council has not committed to ongoing funding for ShotSpotter beyond the pilot phase, emphasizing a careful review of its effectiveness. As the pilot unfolds, Diaz remains optimistic about fostering trust and transparency between the police department and the community.