After ShotSpotter ends, what happens to the sensors and infrastructure?

CHICAGO — Barring a last-minute extension, the company behind the ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology says work will begin Monday on the removal of sensors around the city.

The City Council on Wednesday voted 33-14 to give police Supt. Larry Snelling power over the city’s contract with SoundThinking. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the measure illegal and vowed to veto the council’s action. A spokesman for Snelling declined to comment Thursday.

As it stands, the city’s contracted use of the technology is set to expire late Sunday. SoundThinking crews hours later will begin removing the sensors, the company said in a statement.

“… starting at midnight Sunday night, 9/23, SoundThinking will cease sending the Chicago Police Department ShotSpotter real-time gunshot alerts. Also on 9/23, SoundThinking will begin dismantling ShotSpotter infrastructure in Chicago coverage areas. During the subsequent 60-day Demobilization Period, SoundThinking will continue to work with CPD to ensure a smooth demobilization, including access to historical gun crime data and analytics tools.”

With little time left for City Council members who support ShotSpotter to outmaneuver the mayor before it goes dark on Sunday, they say going to court is not out of the question.

“A potential legal strategy does exist,” said Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward). “We’re considering that. No one wants to do that. No one wants to go down that road.”

To override the mayor’s veto, the City Council would need 34 votes, one more than they had Wednesday.

SoundThinking said it’s “gratified” by the support it has in the council, adding it remains hopeful that a resolution to extend the deal will be found.

Hours after the mayor’s promised veto, ShotSpotter alerted police to a home invasion in Woodlawn where two children were home alone.

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