Big Business joins Chicago's ShotSpotter fight: 'Cannot put a price tag on saving innocent lives'

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — In the latest effort to save the discontinued ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, Chicago City Council members have gotten a multi-million dollar assist from Big Business.

Tuesday’s announcement came nearly one month after Mayor Brandon Johnson ended the city’s use of ShotSpotter. Among those who spoke was Eric Smith,with BMO Commercial Bank, who said the Commercial Club of Chicago was willing to keep ShotSpotter going as the city looks for alternatives.

“We will do our part to ensure that we raise private dollars in securing $2.5 million, so that we can take the cost of this issue off the table and recognize that we cannot put a price tag on saving innocent lives,” he said.

Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16th), who chairs the council’s Black Caucus and represents parts of Englewood and Chicago Lawn, said she was grateful for the business community’s help.

In September, Chicago City Council voted to continue the ShotSpotter contract despite Johnson’s decision to end its use. The mayor subsequently vowed to veto that vote — and if he does, South Side Ald. David Moore (17th) said alderpersons are ready.

“Our city council has the votes to override this alleged veto,” he said Tuesday.

Moore said ShotSpotter gets police to shooting scenes faster and gets victims needed aid.

“We plead with this administration to do the right thing for the people and make this city as safe as it can be," he said. "We don’t want to stop until the right thing is done, and we will not stop until the right thing is done.”

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