Chicago council challenges Mayor Johnson on ShotSpotter cancellation

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has faced backlash from city council members regarding his decision to cancel the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, which has been in operation since 2012. Johnson, who campaigned on ending the contract with SoundThinking Inc., criticized the technology as ineffective in reducing gun violence and likened it to 'walkie-talkies on a pole.' He emphasized that the city should not prioritize corporate interests over the safety of its residents. Despite Johnson's stance, city council members are pushing to extend the contract, with a vote scheduled for Wednesday. Alderman Anthony Beale, representing the 9th Ward, defended ShotSpotter, arguing that it is a crucial tool for saving lives. He expressed concern that Johnson's dismissal of the system reflects a lack of understanding of its value in law enforcement. A report from the Chicago Inspector General in 2021 revealed that only 9% of alerts from ShotSpotter were connected to actual gun-related crimes, raising questions about the effectiveness of the system. However, supporters argue that it provides a faster response than waiting for 911 calls. Beale criticized Johnson for delaying the cancellation until after the Democratic National Convention, suggesting that the mayor's actions prioritize visitors over local residents. As the city council prepares to vote, the future of ShotSpotter remains uncertain. If the ordinance fails, Beale plans to call for a special meeting to propose a new ordinance, indicating ongoing tensions between the mayor and council members over public safety strategies.