Chicago ShotSpotter contract ends, city to begin dismantling gunshot detection technology

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The city's ShotSpotter contract ended early Sunday morning. The company that owns ShotSpotter will begin dismantling the technology in Chicago on Monday.

After months of contentious debate among city leaders, the gun detection technology will officially stop being used in Chicago Sunday night.

Mayor Johnson announced Sunday that the city has requested information on other possible technology system, but there is some worry about public safety while that process plays out.

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ABC7 heard from many aldermen and community organizations Sunday who are concerned as the ShotSpotter technology is set to shut down at midnight.

Aldermen voted 33-14 earlier this week to keep the technology system, falling one short of a veto-proof majority. That led to Mayor Brandon Johnson vowing to veto the ordinance, effectively ending the technology that has monitored Chicago's neighborhoods for more than six years.

"We hear the mayor talk about building a stronger, safer Chicago but this doesn't do that when you're taking away this type of technology," said Jason Huff with the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability.

That is the concern from many community organizations and aldermen across the city, with more than 15,000 people signing a petition to keep the technology.

Alderwoman Silvana Tabares of the 23rd Ward issued a statement Sunday, saying, "Starting tonight, every gunshot victim left bleeding in the streets of our city will be a worthy sacrifice in the eyes of the mayor for his radical agenda. Every single one."

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On the other hand, 28th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin thinks it's the right time to re-evaluate the technology that costs the city tens of millions of dollars.

"You have to me a misuse of the tool," Ervin said. "I think the tool should be used more from an intelligence perspective... and gathering info and being more predictive about where to put people."

Mayor Johnson said alternative technology system option will center around investing in better monitoring capabilities and community-based solutions.

The mayor also issued a statement, saying in part, "The ultimate goal is to deploy resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime. We have to explore better options that save more lives."

Alderman Ervin said that's a process that could be productive for the city.

"We were told this was the latest and greatest technology," Ervin said. "Now there are other technologies out... I think it bodes us well to see what else is out there and make a decision... will it lead back to ShotSpotter? Who knows."

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At 12:01 a.m. Monday, police will no longer be alerted by ShotSpotter.

The Chicago Police Department issued the following statement Sunday:

"Effective Monday, September 23, 2024, at 12:01 am, the Chicago Police Department will no longer be utilizing ShotSpotter technology. This does not change our commitment to public safety and building stronger neighborhoods for all of our residents. Our hardworking officers will continue to respond to crime and work to stop the trauma of violence plaguing our communities. CPD frequently adjusts our public safety efforts based on the needs of our residents and the resources available to us. This is no different. As we move forward, we remind residents to call 911 with as much information and detail as possible when they hear loud reports that could resemble gunfire. It's imperative that we all do our part to keep our city safe and protect our families."