Chicago will no longer be using ShotSpotter technology to detect shootings as of today. ShotSpotter was hailed as a tool to help police respond to shootings faster by detecting the sound of gunshots and automatically alerting police, sometimes before a 911 call.
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After 6 years of gun detection technology all around the city, the ShotSpotter contract has expired.
Today is the first day of the 60-day decommissioning phase of the ShotSpotter contract, and the company is slowly starting to take the equipment down.
Alderman Brian Hopkins stated that during this phase, Shotspotterthe data will be compiled and given to the city at the end of the 60 days.
Twenty Eighth Ward Alderman Jason Ervin agrees, saying it’s time to re-evaluate the technology that’s cost the city – tens of millions of dollars.
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Some city residents expressed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of ShotSpotter in addressing shootings, while others questioned the rationale behind its implementation.
Mayor Brandon Johnson is currently seeking a replacement technology, but the process can take months.
