Outdoor Gunshot Detection Is Here

 by Don Martin

Reading Time: 3 minutes

SDS Outdoor Gunshot Detection (SDS Perimeter) is now available following a successful beta program with customers across education, healthcare, enterprise campuses, and public‑facing environments.

During beta, outdoor sensors were deployed in: 

  • School and university campuses
  • Corporate and office complexes
  • Manufacturing and logistics facilities
  • Law enforcement and public safety zones

These real‑world deployments validated what many organizations already suspected – some of the most critical security gaps exist outside the building.

Why Outdoor Gunshot Detection Matters

While many security programs focus on interior spaces, incidents often begin before a threat reaches the door.

Industry data shows that a significant number of shootings in commercial environments start outdoors – such as parking areas, entrances, and gathering spaces. Detecting gunfire in these locations can:

  • Provide earlier awareness of an incident
  • Improve response coordination before a threat enters occupied spaces
  • Support faster decision‑making for security teams and first responders
  • Enhance overall situational intelligence across a property

Outdoor detection isn’t a replacement for indoor systems; it’s the missing layer that completes a comprehensive approach.

Common Use Cases for Outdoor Sensors

Organizations are using SDS Outdoor sensors to protect areas such as:

Building Entrances & Perimeters

Monitoring exterior approaches provides critical awareness before an incident moves indoors.

Healthcare Emergency & Public Entrances

A significant percentage of hospital‑related shootings occur outside the facility. Outdoor detection adds protection where it’s most needed.

Parking Lots & Parking Structures

Many high‑profile incidents begin in parking areas. Outdoor detection helps identify threats early and improves response time.

Campuses & Large Enterprise Properties

Corporate and educational campuses often include open walkways, courtyards, and exterior gathering spaces that benefit from coverage.

Venues & Outdoor Gathering Areas

Stadiums, convention centers, and entertainment venues host large crowds in areas where traditional security tools may have limitations.

Residential & Mixed‑Use Communities

Outdoor detection supports safer shared spaces such as courtyards, parking areas, and community walkways.

Built for Accuracy, Privacy, and Integration

SDS Outdoor sensors are designed specifically for exterior environments and deliver:

  • High‑accuracy detection in seconds
  • Dual‑factor sensing to reduce false alerts
  • Privacy‑by‑design operation (no voice or conversation recording)
  • Seamless integration with SDS indoor systems
  • Compatibility with:
    • Video management systems
    • Access control platforms
    • Emergency notification and response workflows

Outdoor sensors can operate independently or as part of a unified indoor + outdoor SDS deployment.

A Natural Expansion of Your Existing System

If you already use SDS indoors, adding outdoor coverage is straightforward and designed to work within your existing platform and workflows.

Many customers discover that once indoor coverage is in place, extending detection outdoors:

  • Strengthens overall preparedness
  • Closes previously unrecognized gaps
  • Enhances confidence in their security strategy

Learn More or Explore Outdoor Coverage

If you’re interested in understanding how outdoor gunshot detection could complement your current system, your authorized SDS dealer can:

  • Review outdoor areas and potential coverage zones
  • Explain how outdoor detection integrates with your existing setup
  • Help determine whether outdoor sensors are a good fit for your environment

SDS Outdoor Gunshot Detection is a key part of your overall gun violence detection and response strategy, because awareness shouldn’t stop at the door.

For more information, contact your authorized SDS dealer or reach us at:[email protected]