Chicago Startup Tests New Gunshot Detection App
A startup based in Chicago is experimenting with a novel gunshot detection method that turns smartphones into acoustic sensors, potentially enhancing public safety. This initiative follows the city’s decision nearly two years ago to terminate its contract with SoundThinking.
SplitSec, established in Chicago in 2025, has created an app that uses the microphones of Android smartphones to identify gunshots. This innovation might eliminate the necessity for fixed sensors, like those previously utilized by SoundThinking.
The founder and CEO of SplitSec, Sri Deivasigamani, expressed his observations about the common lack of awareness among people during gunfire incidents. “A lot of times, when gunfire erupts, people are just standing there, completely oblivious to what’s going on. So, we asked ourselves, how can we make individuals aware more quickly?” he mentioned.
Deivasigamani emphasized the need for personal safety and the role of technology. “We’ve been thinking about how to harness the technology we already carry with us daily—our smartphones—to facilitate awareness and safety,” he said.
Currently, two trials of the app are being conducted at no cost in Chicago’s 21st and 42nd wards, with discussions about perhaps extending testing to other areas, like the 5th, 29th, and 38th wards, as reported by local news sources.
During the trials, participants have provided valuable feedback. Some users have experienced false positives due to the sensitivity of their phone microphones, while others noted issues with battery consumption, which SplitSec’s team is working to resolve.
Interestingly, during the testing on July 27 and 28, the app successfully detected gunshots, which users confirmed hearing. This was a significant milestone for the SplitSec team, although they were unable to independently verify the sounds detected by the app.
Unlike previous systems like SoundThinking, which required fixed installations, SplitSec leverages smartphone technology. Deivasigamani commented on how advancements in smartphones have opened doors for such applications that utilize artificial intelligence processing right on the device. “These days, smartphones possess a lot of computing power. We built an AI model that operates entirely on your phone,” he explained, highlighting that the app activates solely in response to gunshot sounds.
The app works similarly to Waze, where it depends not just on phone detection but also on user confirmation, contributing to a community-driven network. When a gunshot is detected, the app asks the user for confirmation. If validated, it alerts others within a mile, and if multiple users confirm the gunfire, it can help pinpoint the source of the shots, potentially guiding people away from danger.
Deivasigamani pointed out that many individuals often run towards gunfire simply because they aren’t aware of where it’s coming from.
Chicago has a history with gunshot detection systems, recently transitioning away from SoundThinking, which sparked controversy regarding its efficacy and costs. The city concluded its contract with the company in 2024, leaving the Chicago Police Department (CPD) without firing alerts from fixed sensors.
Currently, SplitSec does not collaborate with CPD, focusing on user feedback instead. However, if a partnership were to develop, SplitSec could share anonymously reported gunfire location data with law enforcement.
Another substantial aspect of this initiative is the concern regarding privacy, particularly how the app might monitor users. Deivasigamani clarified that audio analysis occurs solely on users’ devices, and audio clips are shared only if a user needs to report a false positive. In such cases, the user is asked if they consent to send the clip to SplitSec, which would be used to improve the app’s accuracy.
“Trust is crucial for this kind of app, and we are committed to safeguarding user privacy,” he added.
