💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
A Chicago startup has launched field trials of mobile technology designed to detect gunshots using the microphones built into Android devices, potentially offering a low-cost alternative to traditional fixed-sensor systems. SplitSec, founded in Chicago in 2025, aims to address safety gaps left after the city terminated its contract with SoundThinking, formerly known as ShotSpotter, nearly two years ago.
The app uses artificial intelligence algorithms that run directly on users’ phones to identify gunfire acoustically, then prompts residents to confirm the detection. If confirmed by multiple users, the technology can triangulate the shooter’s location and broadcast alerts to people within a one-mile radius, helping residents avoid danger zones.
Two unpaid pilot programs are underway in Chicago’s 21st and 42nd wards, with discussions ongoing about expanding to the 5th, 29th, and 38th wards. SplitSec founder and CEO Sri Deivasigamani said early trials revealed both promise and challenges, including false positives on sensitive microphones and battery drain issues his team is addressing.
The company has implemented privacy safeguards to address resident concerns about continuous monitoring. Audio analysis occurs solely on individual phones, and recordings are transmitted to SplitSec only when users report false positives to improve the AI model’s accuracy over time.
SplitSec currently operates independently of the Chicago Police Department and city emergency management, though Deivasigamani indicated the company could share anonymized gunfire reports with law enforcement if partnerships develop in the future.
More Stories
Federal voting arrest in New Jersey adds new pressure point in Sherrill-Trump standoff
Packers Running Back Josh Jacobs Placed on NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List Following Domestic Arrest
Federal Prosecutors Convene Special Grand Jury to Investigate D.C. Schools’ Attendance and Graduation Practices