Assessing Public Support of Gunshot Detection Technology Through a Framing Survey Experiment

Gunshot detection technology (“GDT”) is proliferating across law enforcement agencies, yet little is known about public support of GDT and whether various messages about GDT can sway public support. The present study reports findings from a pre-registered survey experiment ( N = 2,412) randomly assigning respondents to one of the three following conditions: (1) GDT effectiveness, (2) GDT stigma, or (3) the control condition. Those assigned the GDT effectiveness treatment were significantly more likely to support GDT, whereas the GDT stigma treatment did not sway public approval of GDT. There were non-significant heterogeneity tests across non-White and recent crime victims. Police agencies adopting GDT should transparently disseminate successes of GDT effectiveness within their jurisdiction, while addressing potential community concerns of the technology.