Capping a week full of ambiguity on the future of ShotSpotter technology in the city, multiple sources tell NBC Chicago that the gunshot detection system will…
Capping a week full of ambiguity on the future of ShotSpotter technology in the city, multiple sources tell NBC Chicago that the gunshot detection system will not be turned off at midnight as a last-minute extension has been reached with SoundThinking, the company that operates the service.
In an initial announcement, Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration said that the city would not renew their contract with SoundThinking, the company that operates ShotSpotter, though the devices would continue to be used until September. “Throughout much of 2023, SoundThinking attempted to engage the city of Chicago regarding an extension of the ShotSpotter service,” a spokesperson said. “As recently as Dec. 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was presented to the city for a 12-month extension.”The controversial technology has invited criticism and praise since it was installed since 2012. Chicago Ald.
"The city has lost all of its leverage when you make an announcement you're canceling ShotSpotter and extending it until September without having a signed contract," he said."They can turn the switch off at midnight Friday night." Lopez criticized the Johnson administration's decision as"very foolish and short-sighted" while saying that the move jeopardizes safety for political purposes.
Vasquez added that he believes officials need to have more dialogue on what public safety looks like and what exactly the city wanted out of ShotSpotter technology.argue that treating gun violence as a public health issue, rather than a problem in need of “flashy new law enforcement surveillance tools,” is the proper approach.
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