These technologically advanced acoustic sensing systems are capable of identifying, distinguishing, and reporting gunshots within 1 second of the firing of the shot. Manufacturers of gunshot detection systems propose that the technology can significantly decrease police response times to random gunfire calls for service and that they can indirectly control random gunfire problems. The research explored the impact of the technology on police officer response times and officer workloads. The pilot test used a system developed and manufactured by Alliant Techsystems Inc (ATI). The test took place in 11 reporting areas in a Dallas suburb known as Oak Cliff, which is populated mainly by poor Hispanic people living in housing units mixed with light industrial and commercial enterprises. The unit was installed during the fall of 1996; the test period ran from October 25, 1996 to December 16, 1996. Results suggested that the implementation of gunshot detection technology in Dallas reduced officer response times by about 1 minute, a 7-percent reduction, but it increased the total patrol officer workload by 287 percent as a result of an extra 151 radio runs resulting from the alerts from the system. Tables and 32 references (Author abstract modified)