New initiative pays citizens, community groups, up to $700K a year to prevent crime

The city of Detroit has long debated the use of Shotspotter, a technology that alerts police when a gunshot goes off. But during Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's State of the City Address, community activists said they needed more. “This shot spotter is great, but you need something more. That’s after the gun has been fired. You need me, I’m a shot-stopper," one activist said. Now, a pilot program is being launched with that exact concept. The city is investing 10 million dollars in the program with activist sable to receive up to $700,000 in performance grants. "If they beat the city-wide trend by 10% they get a performance bonus," Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison said.