CHICAGO (WLS) — The debate over gunshot detection technology has reignited within the Chicago City Council as officials scrutinize efforts to secure a new system. On Tuesday, a city committee pressed for updates on the search for a suitable replacement.
The city’s former system, once known as ShotSpotter, was discontinued over 18 months ago, leaving a gap in gunshot detection capabilities.
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During the meeting, members of the Public Safety Committee questioned the city’s chief procurement officer about the prolonged delay in selecting a new provider for gunshot detection services. Despite their efforts, the committee did not receive the explanations they were seeking.
“Why is it taking so long? Lives are being endangered,” expressed Alderman Peter Chico of the 10th Ward, highlighting concerns over public safety.
Council members demanded to know why the Department of Procurement Services has not accelerated its evaluation of the nine companies that have submitted proposals to implement new gunshot detection technology, meant to replace the services once offered by Sound Thinking, the successor of ShotSpotter.
“A man was shot and killed in my ward on Thanksgiving night in Garfield Ridge neighborhood. His body laid in the street for 10 minutes because no one called 911,” said 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares.
“This procurement is highly technical and complex in nature, and the Department of Procurement Services is working diligently to ensure all processes are followed and all applicable laws are followed,” said Commissioner of Procurement Services Sharla Roberts.
The department declined to say who was on the vetting committee, where the process stands or when it might be finished.
“That’s very frustrating. You know, this is a system that obviously the police department wants and needs, and several of my colleagues feel the same way. We want to see movement,” said 3rd Ward Ald. Pat Dowell.
Some alderpersons had concerns about who would have access to any replacement technology.
“With the federal government, accessing different surveillance technology, it’s important that we think about what it really looks like,” said 40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez.
After a playground ribbon cutting event, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he remains committed to some form of new technology.
“So, we want to make sure that we go through a thorough vetting process to ensure that whatever technology that we do use or settle on, that it maximizes the full impact of what we’re doing to drive violence down in the city of Chicago,” Johnson said.
“This was a total waste of time in my opinion,” said 38th Ward Ald. Nick Sposato.
A number of alderpersons were frustrated, including the public safety committee chairman.
“They’re not acting as though they want a new gunshot system in place. They’re acting as if they really want to kick this can down the road as long as they can. So, we needed to call them out on it, and I think we accomplished that today, if nothing else,” said Public Safety Committee Chair and 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins.
Hopkins hopes to get more information from key city stakeholders, including police. He did not adjourn the meeting, but instead recessed it until June 3, when the committee will once again push for answers and action.
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