ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The City of Elmira is taking a new, high-tech approach to addressing gun violence by installing the Flock Raven Gunshot Detection System. The system, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, is designed to pinpoint the location of gunfire within 90 feet and alert police in real-time.

Elmira Police Sergeant William Goodwin with the detective bureau, explains the system is vital for several reasons. 

"We decided that this was a necessary tool to install based on a couple reasons. One is that we noticed an increase in shootings, unfortunately, and we would respond to these areas. However, sometimes we may receive a 911 call that is vague, we can't determine a precise location, but with this software, we're able to respond quickly," said Sergeant Goodwin.

Seventy microphones have already been installed across Elmira in areas identified as hotspots for criminal-related gun violence activity. The placement was guided by data showing patterns of repeated incidents, according to EPD.

The microphones are equipped with AI-powered software that can differentiate between gunshots, fireworks, car backfires, and other loud noises. As far as rain and thunder goes, that'll be adjusted as that weather comes and goes, Sgt. Goodwin said.

"The Flock Raven software, there's no one actually listening to it. How this software determines the difference between these types of audio alerts through AI, through machine learning. It'll tell us the difference between fireworks, gunshots, reckless drivers, and we can sift through those or filter those out. So if we only want to receive gunshot alerts, we have that option," explained Sgt. Goodwin.

EPD is optimistic that this new tool will make a difference. 

"I hope that we have a reduction in violent crime. We're layering this technology with our GIVE grant that we're awarded here in the city of Elmira and also in Chemung County in general. We have two dedicated investigators just for investigating gun crimes here. So I hope, with the implementation of this, the community itself is aware and know that we have this technology," shares Goodwin.

When Goodwin sat down with WENY News, he also addressed the privacy concerns. He assured residents that the microphones were not designed to listen to conversations or general background noise.

"These microphones only detect gunshots, they only are triggered by the gunshots, and the microphone is so precise that that is the only type of audio that will be captured by these devices, and the clips are minimal they're just the duration of that incident, so maybe five, ten seconds long," Goodwin explained. 

The Elmira Police Department hopes the Flock Raven Gunshot Detection System will not only help solve crimes more efficiently but also serve as a deterrent to violent gun-related activity. The hope is by combining technology with other crime reduction initiatives, they aim to create a safer Elmira.

The system was purchased with help from the New York State Le Tech Grant, with the software costing approximately $70,000.

The Raven Software will be evaluated for its functionality at the end of the two-year phase to determine if this system is going to remain in Elmira or be discontinued.