Chicago begins search for first responder tech to replace ShotSpotter

CHICAGO — Hours before Chicago’s use of the ShotSpotter gunshot-detection system was decommissioned , the mayor’s office announced a formal request for companies to submit information on replacement technology.

The city’s ShotSpotter technology no longer sounding the alarm on incidents of gunfire fulfills a longstanding campaign promise of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who recently condemned the technology, calling it a ‘walkie-talkie on a pole.’

“It’s not about what that one piece of technology was, the most important thing about it is, this RFI opens up our opportunities to see what’s out there so we can push our work forward,” Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood told WGN on Monday afternoon.

WGN News obtained a copy of the request for information (RFI) which asked companies to submit details on law enforcement response technology that would be effective in covering the city’s entire 235 square miles.

“The technology solution must enable CPD to improve detection of violent crime, expedite response times, improve the likelihood of obtaining forensic evidence, and speed up medical response & first aid for victims,” the RFI reads.

The RFI also sets guidelines for what the solution should consist of, including but not limited to, an installation plan, training for Officers and Office of Emergency Management Center personnel, a method for investigating and screening out false positives and false negatives, and providing 95% accuracy for confirmed outdoor events in the coverage area.

Supporters of ShotSpotter argue the system has already been providing those services during its longstanding relationship with the city and don’t believe the decision to rid of it, was the right one.

“I thought the new data that had come out was irrefutable. It made the strongest case yet for the effectiveness of ShotSpotter. The Chicago police analysts themselves said it had a 99 percent accuracy rate,” said 2 ^nd Ward Alderman and chair of the Public Safety Committee Brian Hopkins.

On top of the RFI, city leaders said a group of city and non-city employees, including law enforcement officials, community leaders and members of community groups, have been working on a months-long effort to develop alternative options and address concerns.

“This is an important discussion that the city has never had before,” said Gatewood. “We’ve already had our working group up and going and we’re excited about what those next steps look like; exploring different options of technology and also exploring different alternatives as well.”

A copy of emails obtained by WGN News through a public records request showed the so-called Acoustic Gunshot Detection (ACD) Alternatives Working Group was not scheduled to meet for the first time until Aug. 14. Previous emails show city personnel drafted the language for an invite to join the group in July.

According to a spokesperson for the mayor’s office, “efforts began in the spring, when work on alternate forms of first responder technology was started by the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety.”

A police district council member, part of the group, spoke with WGN News under the condition of anonymity, stating they feel the group has not produced any viable solutions to replace ShotSpotter and they do not feel the group is representative of the community.

“We went out in a ship with no rations, a boat with no rudders, because of a campaign promise,” the individual told WGN News.

Gatewood argued the working group is made up of a diverse group of people who are contributing different ideas and solutions for alternative options.

“We love folks with different opinions, and we want them to come to the table to share different opinions so we can build off something that works for everyone,” Gatewood said.

Despite serving as chair of the Public Safety Committee, Hopkins said he had no idea the working group existed until recently.

“I wasn’t even aware of its existence until about a week ago, so I’m not sure the claim it’s been working diligently for the last couple of months is accurate, in fact I’d suggest it probably isn’t. That’s not to say this group can’t roll up their sleeves and get to work,” he said. “You’re not going to get anything done in a divided government like we have now, if you’re purposely not collaborative and you’re secretive.”

The city said the group is working to explore options including investing in victim prevention and assistance programs in schools and hospitals, improving the monitoring capabilities and response times of first responders, investing in first responder personnel to work with communities to help resolve crimes, and increasing funding for street-level outreach programs and hiring violence interrupters.

“This has been about seven months you’ve known the technology was going to be going away, so at this point, people want to know why there are only platitudes and not solutions on paper,” WGN Reporter Courtney Spinelli asked Gatewood.

“What I would say to that is one, CPD and our partners are always coming up with solutions, so ShotSpotter alone, that one piece of technology is not driving the violence down in the city. The work that the Chicago Police Department has been doing along with all of our administration and all of our partners has been helping the downward trend in crime,” said Gatewood. “It’s not just about one single piece of technology. It’s about the way that we work together collaboratively, it’s about the way that we continue to push our work forward. We will continue to explore different forms of technology, but it’s important to know that the work that is happening is through a collaborative partnership with all of our partners.”

In the meantime, SoundThinking, Inc., the company behind ShotSpotter, said it began dismantling sensors from public-owned infrastructure in 12 police districts Monday.

“Based upon the sensors that have been deployed across 50 percent of the city of Chicago, it will take some time to complete the sensor de-installation process,” a statement from SoundThinking said.

“Throughout this period, ShotSpotter’s ability to detect gunfire will immediately and steadily degrade over time, as a minimum of four sensors is required to accurately detect and locate gunfire.”

Hopkins raised concern over the length of time it could take for the procurement process, and ultimately, the installation process of any future technology.

“It took ShotSpotter years to install the thousands of sensors that are scattered throughout the city, so something like this would take a considerable amount of time to replace ShotSpotter with another company. If the mayor was sincere, he should have started months ago at the beginning of the year when he made the announcement about ShotSpotter,” Hopkins said.

Chicago police data through late Aug. shows at least 143 victims received aid at a scene this year following a ShotSpotter alert, including seven where no 911 call was made. SoundThinking says it plans on responding to the city’s request for information with more about its technology.

Gatewood and CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling both emphasized residents are encouraged to call 911 when they hear noises that may be gunshots.

“We were showing up for the people before this technology. We will continue to show up for them afterwards,” said Gatewood.

Police sources tell WGN that Snelling reached out to department personnel in a Sunday email.

“Our communities that are affected by gun violence are still relying on us to do everything we can to protect them and that’s what we will continue to do,” his message said, in part. “Just like any other time we’ve faced changes in our operations, we will adjust and continue in our public safety efforts. This city is our home and we will keep it safe no matter the circumstances.”

A Monday statement from the 12th District Police Council celebrated the end of ShotSpotter and encouraged residents to get involved with alternative approaches to public safety, including the formation of block clubs, phone trees and community events. “We understand that public safety looks different for everyone, especially in a district and city as diverse as ours,” the council said. “By working together and partnering with the local nonprofits and volunteer groups who are already making a difference, we can create safer and better-connected communities.”

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