ShotDot gunshot‑tracking devices pitched as a safety tool for small agencies

A request to purchase ShotDot devices for law‑enforcement handguns drew brief testimony describing the technology and a one‑time funding ask.

Ryan Starks and former police chief Randy Watt described ShotDot as a Utah‑developed tool that records firearm discharges in real time and can help determine who fired first and how many rounds were fired with near‑perfect accuracy. Law‑enforcement supporters urged the committee to convert an earlier 50% cost‑share grant into a full grant to enable smaller agencies to participate and extend coverage to an estimated 2,500 remaining officers in the pilot.

Proponents framed the equipment as both an officer‑safety and transparency measure that levels capacity across large and small departments.

What happens next: the RFA will be evaluated with other one‑time equipment and public‑safety requests in the appropriations process.