When it comes to protecting cities and enhancing public safety, acoustic solutions are essential. This is particularly true when it comes to delivering critical information to first responders. Sound is often one of the earliest indicators to a first responder that something is wrong. Knowing that sound plays such an important role in early risk identification and emergency response, it seems only logical that security personnel deploy video surveillance systems that integrate audio. The context provided by knowing a gunshot was detected or an individual was yelling for help is invaluable, and in some cases, could be the determining factor in effectively responding to and handling a life or death situation.