Pottstown Integrates Police Drone with ShotSpotter to Speed Emergency Response

Issue #424 | July 13th, 2026 | Pottstown links police drones with ShotSpotter, Pottsgrove Soccer opens fall registration & discover local history at Stories Over Supper. 🚨⚽📚

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In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

 📅 Pottstown Area Events

 🚨 Pottstown Integrates Police Drone with ShotSpotter to Speed Emergency Response

⚽️ Pottsgrove Soccer Club Opens Registration for Fall Season

  📚 Explore Pottstown's Early History at J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company's "Stories Over Supper"

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Pottstown Integrates Police Drone with ShotSpotter to Speed Emergency Response

A new partnership between ShotSpotter technology and the Pottstown Police Department's drone program is now operational, allowing emergency responders to reach reported gunfire scenes more quickly.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced the integration during the July 8 Pottstown Borough Council meeting, describing it as the latest step in the county's ongoing collaboration with Pottstown police to reduce crime.

The new system automatically dispatches a drone when ShotSpotter detects suspected gunfire. After receiving an alert, the drone launches from its docking station and can arrive at the reported location in approximately one minute, transmitting live video to officers responding to the scene.

Officials say the technology can help identify injured victims more quickly, provide responding officers with real-time information, and assist in locating individuals who may be leaving the area.

Steele highlighted the county's long-standing partnership with Pottstown, noting that his office has assigned dedicated prosecutors and resources to the borough for the past decade. During that time, Police Chief Michael Markovich said crime has declined even as the department's call volume has increased.

According to data presented during the meeting, ShotSpotter generated 96 alerts in Pottstown during 2025, with evidence confirming gunfire in 31 incidents. Officials also noted that 21 of those incidents were never reported through 911, demonstrating the system's ability to detect gunfire that might otherwise go unreported.

The presentation also included discussion about privacy. Borough Council members raised questions about how drone footage is used and whether it could capture unrelated activity. Steele said the drones are intended to respond to specific public safety incidents triggered by ShotSpotter and are not used for general surveillance.

Since 2024, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office has invested more than $3.1 million in personnel, enforcement resources, technology, and community engagement efforts supporting public safety initiatives in Pottstown. Steele said some grant funding supporting those programs is expected to expire, and additional local funding could be needed in the future.

 🚁 New Capability: Police drone automatically launches after a ShotSpotter alert.

⏱️ Response Time: Approximately 1 minute to reach the reported location.

 🎥 Live Video: Drone provides real-time information to responding officers.

 📊 2025 ShotSpotter Data:

  • 96 gunfire alerts

  • 31 incidents with evidence confirming shots fired

  • 21 incidents were not reported through 911

 🤝 Public Safety Partnership: Montgomery County's collaboration with Pottstown Police includes dedicated prosecutors, technology investments, and community engagement initiatives aimed at reducing crime.

Pottsgrove Soccer Club Opens

Registration for Fall Season

The Pottsgrove Soccer Club has opened registration for its 2026 fall season, welcoming players of all skill levels to join the long-running community program.

The club offers Intramural soccer for U6 through U10 players, focusing on fun, player development, and teamwork. Older players, U12 and up, compete in the Suburban County Soccer League (SCSL).

Founded in 1978, Pottsgrove Soccer Club continues its mission of developing young athletes while building community through the sport.

Families interested in registering can visit the club's website for additional information and online registration.

Programs

 🥅 Intramural (U6–U10)

  • Focus on fun, player development, and teamwork

🏆 SCSL (U12 and Up)

  • Competition in the Suburban County Soccer League

Since 1978, the Pottsgrove Soccer Club has provided opportunities for young athletes to learn the game, build friendships, and develop their skills in a positive, community-focused environment.

Explore Pottstown's Early History at

J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company's

"Stories Over Supper"

History enthusiasts are invited to take a journey through Pottstown's past during "Tales of Our Town," the first event in J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company's new "Stories Over Supper" dinner series.

The interactive event will take place Wednesday evening and feature local historian Ryan Conroy, who will share stories, historic photographs, and artifacts highlighting Pottstown's earliest days.

Guests will learn about many of downtown's iconic buildings, including who built them, the businesses they originally housed, and how they looked when the community was first established.

Tickets are available through J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company's website, and attendees can also preview the menu and learn more through the event's Facebook page.

Event Details

 📖 Event: Tales of Our Town – Stories Over Supper

 📅 Date: Wednesday

 📍 Location: J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company

 🎤 Special Guest: Local historian Ryan Conroy

What to Expect

🏛️ Stories about Pottstown's earliest days

 🏢 Historic photos and artifacts

📚 Learn about downtown's iconic buildings and businesses

🍽️ Interactive dinner experience

 📱 Menu preview and event information: Available on the event's Facebook page

The evening offers a unique opportunity to enjoy dinner while learning about the people, places, and buildings that helped shape Pottstown into the community it is today.

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