Chicago Mayor Faces Criticism Over Shotspotter Contract Decision

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, addresses a crowd, June 28, 2023, at the Old Post Office in Chicago. Chicago won't renew its contract for a controversial gunshot detection system and end the use

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's recent comments denouncing the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system have sparked controversy among city council members in Chicago. Johnson referred to ShotSpotter as 'walkie-talkies on a pole' and criticized the program for not effectively reducing gun violence in the city.

Johnson campaigned on ending the city's contract with SoundThinking Inc., the company that owns ShotSpotter. He expressed concerns about the program's efficacy and its cost to the city, stating that the system did not deliver on its promise to reduce gun violence despite the significant investment.

The ShotSpotter technology, which has been in use since 2012, utilizes a network of acoustic sensors to detect gunfire and alert law enforcement to the location of shooting incidents. While Johnson is determined to terminate the contract with SoundThinking Inc., some members of the city council are advocating for the extension of the current contract, which is set to expire soon.

Alderman Anthony Beale of Chicago's 9th Ward defended the ShotSpotter system and criticized Johnson's characterization of it as 'walkie-talkies on a stick.' Beale argued that the technology plays a crucial role in saving lives by enabling faster emergency response times to shooting incidents.

Johnson campaigned on ending the city's contract with SoundThinking Inc., the company behind ShotSpotter.

Mayor Johnson denounces ShotSpotter as ineffective in reducing gun violence.

Some city council members advocate for extending the ShotSpotter contract.

Despite concerns raised in a 2021 report by the Chicago Inspector General regarding the effectiveness of ShotSpotter alerts, the Chicago Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have praised the technology for its ability to identify shootings and potentially save lives.

The city council is set to vote on a new ordinance that would determine the future of the ShotSpotter contract. The ordinance would grant Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling the authority to either extend the current deal or negotiate a new contract for a similar technology.

While Johnson remains steadfast in his decision not to renew the ShotSpotter contract, council members like Beale are advocating for the retention of the system. The debate over the future of ShotSpotter in Chicago reflects differing perspectives on the technology's effectiveness in addressing gun violence in the city.