Shooter Detection Systems
Shooter Detection Systems is a subsidiary of Alarm.com that makes dual-mode acoustic and infrared gunshot detection sensors (indoor and outdoor) plus the ResponderLink 911 alerting service, sold to schools, enterprises, government, venues, and law enforcement via integrators and Alarm.com service providers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersRowley, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Shooter Detection Systems does
Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alarm.com (NASDAQ: ALRM) that commercializes dual-mode acoustic and infrared gunshot detection technology originally developed for military sniper detection applications. The company's core product line consists of SDS Indoor (formerly Guardian) sensors that detect gunshots in under one second with 99.9% accuracy, the newly commercialized SDS Perimeter outdoor detection system, and the ResponderLink 911 notification service that integrates with Noonlight's SendPolice platform to deliver real-time incident data to dispatch centers. SDS holds the only highest-level DHS SAFETY Act Certification in its category, with additional NPSA (UK) and SCEC SL4 (Australia) certifications, and integrates with 50+ third-party video management, access control, and mass notification platforms.
SDS sells primarily through a channel-led model combining direct enterprise field sales for large deployments, certified resellers and integrators (notably the PSA Network consortium covering 700+ branches), and Alarm.com service providers reaching the SMB and mid-market segments. Pricing is quote-based and subscription-oriented, with hardware sales (indoor PoE, Guardian Wireless battery-powered sensors, outdoor units) paired with recurring software subscriptions that include ResponderLink 911 alerting; a Starter Kit and monthly-monitored Lobby Package target smaller organizations, while the SecureGrants program helps schools and businesses secure funding. The customer base spans K-12 and higher education, corporate/enterprise (including a Fortune 500 national retailer with 1,000+ sensors deployed), government and transportation (Charleston International Airport), sports and entertainment venues (Georgia World Congress Center), healthcare, critical infrastructure, and law enforcement, supported by an installed base representing over 600 million hours of cumulative sensor operation since the 2015 first commercial launch.
Shooter Detection Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Shooter Detection Systems
- Legal name
- Shooter Detection Systems, LLC
- Website
- https://shooterdetectionsystems.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Shooter Detection Systems is a subsidiary of Alarm.com that makes dual-mode acoustic and infrared gunshot detection sensors (indoor and outdoor) plus the ResponderLink 911 alerting service, sold to schools, enterprises, government, venues, and law enforcement via integrators and Alarm.com service providers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Shooter Detection Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Physical Security — Gunshot Detection Systems
- NAICS
- Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Security Systems Services (56162), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Intrusion Detection & Burglar Alarm Systems Integration (BPAKAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Video Alarm Verification & Remote Video Monitoring (VSaaS Monitoring) (BPAKAFAE), Residential CCTV & Door/Perimeter Surveillance Packages (HSAHACAH), Security Technology & Surveillance Operations (CCTV Monitoring, Metal Detectors) (THAHALAM)
Keywords
Where Shooter Detection Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rowley
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Shooter Detection Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel
Revenue model
- Gunshot Detection Hardware and Software Subscriptions: SDS sells indoor and outdoor gunshot detection sensors along with software subscriptions. ResponderLink 911 alerting is included as part of standard SDS subscription. The company offers both on-premise (SDS Enterprise) and cloud-based (SDS Powered by Alarm.com) deployment options.
- Channel Partner Sales: Products sold through network of certified resellers, integrators, and Alarm.com service providers. PSA Network provides access to 700+ branch locations responsible for $4.5 billion annually in security installations.
- Professional Services and Installation: Authorized dealers provide professional installation, training, and 24/7 monitoring setup. Services include annual testing and software updates as part of ongoing support contracts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Monthly | Gunshot Detection Lobby Package for Commercial Buildings |
| Subscription | Annual | SDS Starter Kit |
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise Deployment |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Shooter Detection Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) designs, manufactures, and sells dual-mode acoustic and infrared gunshot detection sensors for indoor (SDS Indoor) and outdoor (SDS Perimeter) environments, achieving 99.9% detection accuracy in under one second. Its portfolio is complemented by ResponderLink, a 911 notification service that delivers real-time gunshot data to first responders, and is offered via on-premise (SDS Enterprise) and cloud-based (SDS Powered by Alarm.com) deployment options.
Product overview
Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) offers a comprehensive gunshot detection portfolio comprising indoor detection (SDS Indoor, formerly Guardian), outdoor detection (SDS Perimeter), and emergency response services (ResponderLink). The core indoor and outdoor products use dual-mode acoustic and infrared sensing technology achieving 99.9% detection accuracy. SDS Indoor and SDS Perimeter sensors can operate independently or as a unified indoor+outdoor deployment, with SDS Perimeter recently added to extend coverage from building interiors to campus perimeters and exterior spaces. ResponderLink provides 911 notification and first responder intelligence, completing the detection-to-response chain. The portfolio is available through on-premise (SDS Enterprise) and cloud-based (SDS Powered by Alarm.com) deployment options, with a Starter Kit for entry-level adoption and SecureGrants for funding assistance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SDS Indoor: Indoor gunshot detection system using acoustic and infrared dual-mode technology for buildings and facilities.
- SDS Perimeter
- ResponderLink
- Guardian
Products and services
- SDS Indoor (Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System) Dual-mode acoustic and infrared gunshot detection system for indoor environments including schools, corporate offices, airports, healthcare facilities, and convention centers. Detects gunshots in under 1 second with 99.9% accuracy and integrates with video management, access control, and mass notification systems. Available as PoE and wireless (Guardian Wireless) variants.
- SDS Perimeter (Outdoor Gunshot Detection System) Building- or pole-mounted outdoor gunshot detection sensor using dual acoustic and infrared sensing combined with machine learning. Covers up to 15,700 square feet per sensor, distinguishes between firearm types and calibers, and reduces false alarms from fireworks and vehicle backfires. Designed for sports venues, campuses, parking lots, and corporate perimeters.
- ResponderLink 911 notification service that integrates SDS gunshot detection with Noonlight's SendPolice platform. Trained safety agents deliver real-time gunshot detection data, including location and incident progression, to 911 dispatchers via a live web dashboard. Included as part of the standard SDS subscription.
- Guardian Wireless Battery-powered, cable-free wireless indoor gunshot detection sensor (Patent US 11,417,183). Uses high-level ambient lighting filtering and advanced data processing; part of the SDS Indoor product line.
- SDS Starter Kit Entry-level gunshot detection package designed for organizations wanting to experience SDS detection technology in priority locations before committing to a full deployment. Sold primarily through channel partners to open new accounts and expand over time.
- SDS Enterprise (On-Premise Deployment) On-premise gunshot detection deployment option providing georeferenced mapping and intuitive web-based single-application management across indoor and outdoor sensor locations for comprehensive, scalable deployments from single facilities to entire campuses.
- SDS Powered by Alarm.com (Cloud Deployment) Cloud-based gunshot detection solution delivered within the Alarm.com for Business platform, combining shot detections with cloud-managed cameras, access control, intrusion systems, and other commercial security applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- Response times reduced from 4.2 minutes to 1.8 minutes with proper technology integration
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Shooter Detection Systems
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Shooter Detection Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
AI capability5 records
Feature7 records
Shooter Detection Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.
- Genea SecuritycoreIntegration combines SDS gunshot detection sensors with Genea's cloud-based access control platform. Enables immediate alerts, reduced response times, automated response to shots fired, centralized incident management, multi-location coverage, and automated threat containment through unlocked doors. Particularly targeting higher education market.
- PSA NetworkcoreSDS joined the PSA Network to offer products through the world's largest consortium of professional systems integrators. PSA has over 700 branch locations with 13,500+ industry professionals responsible for $4.5 billion annually in security, fire, life safety and pro audio-visual installations. This partnership enables SDS to reach a broad network of certified integrators.
- Partner Alliance for Safe Schools (PASS)strategicSDS joined PASS to support mission and advocate for school safety. Promotes PASS guidelines for layered school safety among administrators and public safety professionals. PASS provides vetted best practices for security technology, staff training, community involvement, and crisis preparation planning. SDS participates in PASS School Security Town Hall events.
- Alarm.comcoreSDS is an Alarm.com (NASDAQ: ALRM) company. Recent integration with Alarm.com's commercial platform enables service providers to offer SDS Indoor Gunshot Detection sensors as part of integrated cloud-based solution for gunshot detection, video surveillance, access control, immediate alerts, and remote monitoring. Also enables SMB market access.
- NoonlightcoreResponderLink integrates SDS's proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight's SendPolice platform. Trained safety agents contact 911 dispatch centers based on gunfire location and provide live web dashboard showing shot details, location, and progression. First solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers.
- Hanwha VisioncoreIntegration between SDS Indoor Gunshot Detection System and Hanwha Vision's Wisenet WAVE VMS platform. Automatically alerts security teams to gunshot activity by triggering alarms, associates live video feeds with real-time tracking of assailants, and takes automated actions when gunfire is detected.
- ZeroNow AlliancestrategicSDS joined ZeroNow alliance, a coalition dedicated to combating school violence. Part of industry, association, and education partners working to create path to 'zero harm' in schools. Founding partners include Additional, Axis Communications, Axon, Johnson Controls, Omnilert, and nonprofit partners IACLEA, NASPA, Campus Safety Magazine, VTV Family Outreach Foundation.
- SecuritySpecifiers.comminorSDS joined SecuritySpecifiers.com as a sponsor - the security industry's leading engagement and knowledge exchange resource for designers, consultants, and specifiers of physical security systems. Provides technical information needed to effectively serve clients considering gunshot detection.
- Department of Homeland SecuritycoreSDS Perimeter originated from DHS sponsored technology development initiative. SDS has long history with DHS including DHS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY directorate collaboration on portable outdoor gunshot detection technology for law enforcement. Also developed through DHS-sponsored initiative validated foundational outdoor detection concepts.
- Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)GWCC uses Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System integrated with Avigilon video management. As GSX host location and SDS customer, GWCC provides Emergency Operations Center tours for security professionals. Marc Vincent (Emergency Preparedness Manager) and Thomas Lloyd (IT Director) demonstrate system functionality and integration capabilities.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Shooter Detection Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SoundThinking (ShotSpotter): SoundThinking's ShotSpotter is the most direct competitor in the gunshot detection category, deploying acoustic sensors primarily for outdoor municipal and campus coverage. Both companies compete for school, municipal, and enterprise active shooter detection contracts.
Emerging players
- Databuoy Corporation: Databuoy offers ShotPoint, an acoustic gunshot detection system for indoor and outdoor environments. It competes with SDS in commercial and government deployments, though with smaller scale and channel presence.
- EAGL Technology: EAGL Technology provides outdoor gunshot detection using acoustic and ballistic sensors, with deployments focused on educational institutions and public spaces. It competes with SDS Perimeter for outdoor campus and perimeter coverage.
- AmberBox: AmberBox offers indoor gunshot detection sensors with automated alerting to law enforcement. It competes with SDS Indoor in the K-12, higher education, and commercial real estate segments, typically positioned as a more affordable alternative.
- Evolv Technology: Evolv provides AI-based weapons detection screening systems for venues, schools, and workplaces. While Evolv detects weapons on entry rather than firing events, it competes for the same active-threat security budgets as SDS in enterprise and education markets.
- IPVideo Corporation (Motorola Halo): IPVideo's HALO smart sensor detects environmental anomalies including gunshots via acoustic analysis. While broader in scope (also detecting vape, chemicals, etc.), it competes with SDS Indoor in K-12 and facility security budgets.
Broad incumbents
- Axon Enterprise: Axon, best known for body cameras and law enforcement software, has expanded into connected公共安全 ecosystem including sensor-based detection pilots. While not a direct gunshot detection competitor today, Axon's law enforcement channel overlaps with SDS's public safety buyers.
- Motorola Solutions: Motorola Solutions provides command center software, radio, and video solutions widely deployed across law enforcement and enterprise security. Its broader public safety platform could incorporate gunshot detection via acquisition or partnership, making it an indirect competitive threat.
- Brüel & Kjær (Acoem): Acoem's Brüel & Kjær division is a global leader in acoustic sensing and measurement instrumentation. Its technology underlies many acoustic detection applications, including defense and security, making it a broad incumbent in the sensing technology stack underlying gunshot detection.
Others
- Hanwha Vision: Hanwha Vision is both an SDS integration partner (Wisenet WAVE VMS) and a video surveillance incumbent. As video analytics advance, Hanwha's platforms could potentially add gunshot audio analytics natively, making it an ecosystem partner that could also become a competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Shooter Detection Systems social profiles
Digital presenceShooter Detection Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Shooter Detection Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Shooter Detection Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Shooter Detection Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Shooter Detection Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Shooter Detection Systems
What does Shooter Detection Systems do?
Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) designs, manufactures, and sells dual-mode acoustic and infrared gunshot detection sensors for indoor (SDS Indoor) and outdoor (SDS Perimeter) environments, achieving 99.9% detection accuracy in under one second. Its portfolio is complemented by ResponderLink, a 911 notification service that delivers real-time gunshot data to first responders, and is offered via on-premise (SDS Enterprise) and cloud-based (SDS Powered by Alarm.com) deployment options.
Is Shooter Detection Systems a public or private company?
Shooter Detection Systems is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Shooter Detection Systems founded?
Shooter Detection Systems was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Shooter Detection Systems based?
Shooter Detection Systems is headquartered in Rowley, United States, in the North America region.
How does Shooter Detection Systems make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Gunshot Detection Hardware and Software Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are channel Partner Sales and professional Services and Installation.
Who are Shooter Detection Systems's main competitors?
SoundThinking (ShotSpotter) is listed as a direct peer. Emerging players are Databuoy Corporation, EAGL Technology, AmberBox, Evolv Technology and IPVideo Corporation (Motorola Halo). Broad incumbents are Axon Enterprise, Motorola Solutions and Brüel & Kjær (Acoem). Hanwha Vision is listed as an others.
Does Shooter Detection Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Shooter Detection Systems.
What industry is Shooter Detection Systems in?
Shooter Detection Systems's product category is Physical Security — Gunshot Detection Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAKAGAC, Intrusion Detection & Burglar Alarm Systems Integration, with a secondary code of BPAKAFAE, Video Alarm Verification & Remote Video Monitoring (VSaaS Monitoring). Its NAICS code is 561621 and its SIC code is 7381.