CIVIC-Alert Sensor Node Test

Steve Beck of Beck Audio Forensics was the test director for a gunshot audio data collection that took place in the NACA (North Austin Civic Association) neighborhood on May 19, 2026.  This test was part of the CIVIC-Alert Gunshot Detection and Location project, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF).  The project’s goal was to deploy and test 30 gunshot detection sensor nodes that were developed by researchers at Vanderbilt University. 

Mr. Beck coordinated with the Austin police department (APD) and researchers from University of Texas, Vanderbilt University, Penn State University, and Texas State University. 

Mr. Beck recorded the gunshots using a Larson-Davis 821 sound pressure (SPL) meter and a Zoom F6 audio recorder.  The test consisted of a police officer firing blank ammunition using a .22 revolver, a .38 revolver, a .357 Magnum revolver, a .45 pistol, and a .32 starter revolver. 

The project also tested events meant to confuse the gunshot detection system: firing a nail gun, slapping 2x4s, and bouncing a basketball.  In addition to different sources, the test conditions included different firing angles, different timing between events, and different sound propagation conditions (distances, trees, and houses). 

Field testing by Beck Audio Forensics can help ensure gunshot sensor systems are working properly: differentiating gunshots from other similar sounds, reducing false alarms, and keeping neighborhoods safe.