ShotSpotter proposal up for committee vote

Suffolk legislators and County Executive Steve Levy are expected to move forward today on competing proposals to expand high-tech crime-fighting program ShotSpotter to more areas of the county.

A legislative committee is expected to vote on a proposal by Legis. DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville) calling for $625,000 to purchase the equipment for up to four communities.

Faced with the prospect of having to say no to communities who want something done about gun violence -- or buying technology he has doubts about -- Levy late Monday released a proposal to lease the crime-fighting tool for more areas of the county.

ShotSpotter uses computerized sensors placed around communities to pick up the sound of gunshots and relay the information to police. Levy balked last year at spending $450,000 on a pilot project to try it in Huntington Station, before eventually relenting.

Gregory's bill would bring ShotSpotter to Wyandanch and North Bellport. Either Central Islip or Brentwood, or both, also would get the technology.

Levy proposed leasing the equipment for Wyandanch, North Amityville, Brentwood and North Bellport and continuing in Huntington Station.