Shooter Detection Systems

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.

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

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

• Indoor gunshot detection
• Outdoor gunshot detection
• Active shooter detection
• Acoustic infrared sensors
• Emergency response systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Rowley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

AI capability5 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• Genea SecuritycoreTechnology or Integration · 26 March 2025Integration 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 NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 June 2024SDS 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)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 April 2024SDS 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.comcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 27 March 2024SDS 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.
• NoonlightcoreTechnology or Integration · 29 August 2023ResponderLink 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 VisioncoreTechnology or Integration · 3 August 2023Integration 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 AlliancestrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 July 2023SDS 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.comminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 November 2022SDS 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 SecuritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2022SDS 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)Technology or Integration · 16 August 2022GWCC 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/shooterdetect
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3603089

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shooter Detection Systems