Perimeter Gunshot Detection

Respond to active shooters fast with our first sensor designed for the outdoors.
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Extend your protection beyond the front door

Safeguard your campus, grounds, outdoor events, and more with SDS Perimeter Gunshot Detection. Our outdoor sensor is built using the same trusted dual-factor technology as our indoor sensor, but is designed to withstand the elements.

Accuracy, speed, and reliability—in all weather

IP65 outdoor rating

IP65 outdoor rating

Rugged, weather-resistant sensor built to withstand dust, rain, and wind
99.9% detection rate

99.9% detection rate

Uses dual-factor detection for fewer than 1 false alert per 1 million hours of sensor use under normal operating conditions
Fast detection (<3 seconds)

Fast detection (<3 seconds)

Digital signal processing for rapid SMS, email, and 911 alerts

How Our Outdoor Gunshot Detection Technology Works

SDS Perimeter is an outdoor gunshot detection system that uses a proven multi-mode approach, combining acoustic sensors and infrared sensors to detect gunfire with greater than 99% detection accuracy within sensor range — even in complex outdoor environments.

When a shot is fired, the acoustic sensor captures the distinct sound signature of a muzzle blast. Simultaneously, the infrared sensor detects the thermal flash produced at the moment of discharge. Both signals must be present and validated before an alert is triggered, which is what makes SDS’s gunshot detection technology so effective at eliminating false alarms caused by loud environmental noises. The infrared sensor does not require direct line of sight to the firearm — the signal reflects off nearby structures, including the ground — enabling detection even when the shooter’s body fully blocks the weapon from view.

This dual-mode validation happens in under 3 seconds, automatically alerting on-site security teams via the SDS software dashboard, SMS, and email. Through ResponderLink — a monitoring capability built into the SDS software at no additional cost — verified alerts are forwarded to a monitoring operator who contacts the appropriate 911 dispatch center with precise location data.

The system also detects the shockwave of projectiles traveling at supersonic speeds, adding an additional layer of detection and analysis capability. Each sensor operates independently with no calibration or triangulation required, and can identify firearm type (handgun vs. long gun) with greater than 90% accuracy.

Advanced tech. Easy to deploy.

Wide coverage area

Each sensor covers a minimum of 15,700 sq. ft. a 180° arc

Plug-and-play installation

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Works straight out of the box—no calibration needed

Low bandwidth transmission

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Uses very little bandwidth to effectively and efficiently transmit data

+24/7 automated health checks

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Includes real-time maintenance alerts with automated sensor diagnostics

ResponderLink for 911 dispatch

ResponderLink expedites emergency dispatch and reduces misinformation by pinpointing the exact location of gunfire—even in an outdoor environment—and routing alerts to the correct 911 center.

Technology Partners

50+ third-party integrations with leading security technology platforms including video, access control, and mass notification systems.

Where Outdoor Gunshot Detection Makes the Biggest Difference

Gunfire incidents can occur anywhere. SDS Perimeter outdoor gunshot detection systems are deployed across a wide range of environments where perimeter threat detection is critical to public safety and rapid response.

School & Campus Grounds

Extend protection beyond building walls to parking lots, athletic fields, and open walkways where students and staff are most exposed.

Healthcare Facilities

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Protect hospital campuses, emergency room entrances, ambulance bays, and patient drop-off zones where staff and visitors gather outdoors.

Critical Infrastructure

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Secure utility grids, energy facilities, water treatment plants, and communication sites where a delayed response to a gunfire incident can have cascading consequences.

Corporate Campuses & Commercial Properties

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Detect threats at office parks, retail centers, distribution facilities, and building perimeters before they reach populated areas.

Houses of Worship

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Safeguard outdoor gathering spaces, parking areas, and building entrances at churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith community facilities.

Transportation Hubs

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Support law enforcement and security teams at airports, transit stations, bus terminals, and parking facilities with precise, real-time gunshot location data to accelerate response.

Public Venues & Stadiums

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Protect stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and entertainment venues where large crowds gather in exterior zones, concourses, and parking structures.

SDS Outdoor Gunshot Detection FAQ

What is an outdoor gunshot detection system?

An outdoor gunshot detection system uses multi-mode sensing — combining acoustic sensors and infrared sensors — acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, and intelligent signal analysis to automatically identify, locate, and report gunfire in real-time within the sensor coverage area across exterior environments. When a shot is fired, the system validates the event using two distinct physical phenomena (acoustic muzzle blast and infrared muzzle flash) and instantly notifies security personnel, law enforcement, and 911 dispatch — significantly reducing response times compared to manual reporting.

How does SDS Perimeter reduce false alarms?

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SDS Perimeter uses multi-mode detection, requiring both an acoustic signal (muzzle blast) and an infrared thermal signature (muzzle flash) before triggering an alert. This dual-physical-signal approach filters out common false alarm sources like construction noise and vehicle backfires, achieving fewer than 1 false alarm per 1 million hours of sensor use under normal operating conditions.

How large an area can one SDS Perimeter sensor cover?

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Each sensor covers a minimum of 15,700 square feet across a 180-degree field of view, with a standard detection range of 100 feet. Coverage represents an aggregate of all calibers and shooter positions – detection range and performance may vary for specific firearms, including low-caliber handguns. Extended coverage up to 150 feet — including detection of incoming fire beyond the 100-foot standard range — provides approximately 35,340 square feet of coverage per sensor. For larger environments, multiple sensors can be networked together for seamless, scalable coverage across campuses, perimeters, and open grounds.

How quickly does SDS Perimeter alert law enforcement?

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SDS Perimeter detects gunfire and alerts on-site security in under 3 seconds via the software dashboard, SMS, and email. Every SDS software package includes ResponderLink, a built-in monitoring capability that automatically forwards verified alerts to a monitoring operator who contacts the appropriate 911 dispatch center with precise location data — eliminating the delays and inaccuracies of manual emergency calls.

Can the system identify the type of firearm used?

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Yes. SDS Perimeter includes caliber detection and reporting, grouping firearms into two categories: handguns and long guns (including shotguns). Caliber reporting accuracy exceeds 90%, though performance may vary based on the specific caliber and distance from the sensor. The system also calculates the range (distance) of the firearm from the sensor using time-of-arrival analysis of the acoustic and infrared signals.

Does the system integrate with existing security infrastructure?

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Yes. SDS Perimeter integrates with 50+ third-party security platforms including video management systems, access control, and mass notification systems. This makes it easy to incorporate SDS into your existing security tech stack without replacing existing infrastructure. When a shot is detected, the system can automatically direct cameras to the incident location, trigger lockdowns, and distribute alerts across your entire security operation.

What outdoor environments is SDS Perimeter designed for?

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SDS Perimeter carries an IP65 weather rating, making it resistant to dust, rain, and wind. It operates in temperatures ranging from -35°C to 45°C and includes thermoelectric cooling devices within the infrared flash detectors to maintain performance in elevated ambient temperatures. It’s purpose-built for real-world outdoor deployment across school campuses, critical infrastructure sites, healthcare facilities, corporate perimeters, and public spaces.

How does the system perform in high-noise outdoor environments?

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SDS Perimeter was developed using machine-learning techniques applied to large libraries of real-world gunshot and non-gunshot events, enabling the system to differentiate gunfire from many common environmental noise sources such as vehicles and construction equipment. Note: environments with frequent explosive events — including fireworks displays, arc welding, or heavy construction — can increase the probability of a false alert. In these situations, the sensor can be temporarily disabled through the SDS Situational Awareness Application. The system also detects the shockwave of projectiles traveling at supersonic speeds, adding an additional layer of detection and analysis capability. Once deployed, the sensor operates using deterministic algorithms — processing happens at the sensor edge with no ongoing “learning” or cloud dependency — ensuring consistent, predictable performance suitable for life-safety applications.

Choose with confidence

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Don’t wait until it’s too late. Find out how SDS can help your organization be prepared for exterior threats.