Chicago Police turn off ShotSpotter after contract expires

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - After months of debate and speculation, the Chicago Police department has confirmed that the controversial gunshot detection technology ShotSpotter will no longer be used in the city come 12:01 a.m. Monday.

The contract was set to expire at midnight.

In a statement, released late Sunday afternoon, CPD reassured residents despite the termination of the crime-fighting tool.

“This does not change our commitment to public safety and building stronger neighborhoods for all of our residents,” the department said. “Our hardworking officers will continue to respond to crime and work to stop the trauma of violence plaguing our communities.”

Sunday’s announcement comes following a late push by a majority of City Council members to preserve ShotSpotter. In a special meeting held Wednesday,  members voted 33-14 to give Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling authority to extend the ShotSpotter contract.

The city’s top cop had been a ShotSpotter supporter.

But, Mayor Brandon Johnson, who’s been a steadfast opponent of the technology, promised to veto the action. As of Sunday evening, it’s unclear if the mayor used his veto power.

“It’s illegal,” Johnson said. “You have to start to raise questions of why now in the interest of democracy now that you have someone who is firm in their values of investing in people that all of a sudden that we don’t believe that person should have the powers that every other mayor has had.”

Johnson repeated his arguments that ShotSpotter is not effective in reducing crime and that several other cities have also abandoned the technology.

The mayor said a better use of resources to make neighborhoods safer is to invest in them and their people.

“Cities all over America are canceling the technology,” Johnson said. “Houston, this a red state, this is not just blue states. More moderate to conservative leaders, San Antonio, Seattle, New Orleans, they’re canceling it because it is proven to be ineffective.”

Johnson announced late Sunday that his office will begin to take in recommendations for "reliable and efficient forms of first responder technology to ensure immediate attention from first responders in emergency situations."

Twenty-third Ward Alderwoman Silvana Tabares offered her disdain for Johnson and his decision not to renew ShotSpotter.

Police said Sunday the department is undaunted by the adjustments they will have to make without ShotSpotter.

“We remind residents to call 911 with as much information and detail as possible when they hear loud reports that could resemble gunfire,” police said. “It’s imperative that we all do our part to keep our city safe and protect our families.

WBBM reporters Craig Dellimore and Jim Gudas contributed to this report.

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok