Gunshot sensor OKd for North Bellport

One of the most distressed communities in Suffolk County -- North Bellport -- by the end of November will deploy a crime fighting tool that allows police to pinpoint where and when gunshots are fired.

Brookhaven's Town Board last week approved the use of the technology, which is created by ShotSpotter, a California firm. The board's decision will make North Bellport one of five communities in Suffolk -- including Wyandanch, North Amityville, Brentwood and Huntington Station -- to use the system.

ShotSpotter, which uses sensors to locate the sound of gunshots and transmit the information to police, is expected to bolster redevelopment efforts in the area, said Councilwoman Connie Kepert, who represents the community of about 9,000.

The town is attempting to shepherd a mixed-use development with housing and commercial property near the Bellport train station, and making the area safer is critical, she said.

"When you talk about redevelopment, you're talking about reducing crime," said Supervisor Mark Lesko, who supports using the system.

Suffolk County is paying $1.15 million to lease the equipment for five years in North Bellport and three years in the other four communities. An anonymous donation and a grant contributed an additional $200,000, county officials said.

The technology could be in place by Thanksgiving in all five communities, said County Legis. Kate Browning (WF-Shirley). Bellport will probably have about 16 sensors, she said. The sensors, which are being deployed in increasing numbers in urban areas nationwide, will be placed on light poles and other items.

Three Nassau communities -- Roosevelt, Freeport and Uniondale -- use ShotSpotter.

"I look at incidents in the community and the bottom line is people in the area are afraid to call [police]," Browning said. "Now we can take local residents out of the equation to find the gunshot."

North Bellport, one of Long Island's poorest communities, has struggled with gang activity. Statistics on shootings were not immediately available but violent crime in North Bellport rose from 19 in 2009 to 25 last year, Suffolk police have said. ShotSpotter should help police reduce that number, Kepert said.

The company's website states police agencies using ShotSpotter have seen "reductions in urban gunfire by up to 80 percent and related violent crime by as much as 40 percent."

"We're hoping that ShotSpotter will be another tool in their arsenal to get rid of the gangs in the community and give it back to the good people of North Bellport," Kepert said.