Chicago Ends ShotSpotter Contract Amidst Equity Concerns, NYC Debate Continues

Chicago, Illinois – The City of Chicago officially ended its contract with ShotSpotter, the gunshot detection technology, on May 19, 2024, following a decision by Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration. This move concludes a long-standing agreement that has been a subject of intense debate regarding its effectiveness and impact on communities. A recent tweet by Peter Moskos highlighted this development, stating, > "Shot Spotter was dismantled in Chicago because white progressives claim police response to shootings negatively and disproportionately impacts black communities. So now a few blacks bleed out in the name of equity."

ShotSpotter, a technology developed by SoundThinking (formerly ShotSpotter, Inc.), uses acoustic sensors to detect and pinpoint the location of gunshots, alerting law enforcement in real-time. Proponents argue it helps police respond faster to violent crime, while critics contend it is inaccurate, leads to over-policing in minority neighborhoods, and diverts resources from more effective crime prevention strategies. The decision to end the contract in Chicago was rooted in concerns about its efficacy and its alleged disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities, as well as its high cost.

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) had utilized ShotSpotter since 2017. Mayor Johnson's administration cited a 2021 Inspector General's report that found ShotSpotter alerts rarely led to evidence of a gun-related crime or an arrest. Furthermore, community groups and activists argued that the technology contributed to unnecessary police stops and escalated tensions in already vulnerable areas, aligning with the "equity" concerns mentioned in Moskos' tweet. Studies have also indicated a high percentage of ShotSpotter alerts in Chicago, up to 87%, did not result in a confirmed shooting.

In contrast, New York City continues to employ ShotSpotter technology, with its contract totaling over $45 million between 2014 and 2023. The tweet specifically questioned the stance of "Mamdani" on the issue in NYC. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, representing parts of Astoria, Queens, has been a vocal critic of ShotSpotter, advocating for its discontinuation in New York City. He has previously stated concerns about its accuracy and its role in increasing police presence in communities of color, echoing the arguments made by those who pushed for its removal in Chicago. A city audit in June 2024 found that 87% of ShotSpotter alerts in NYC were unconfirmed shootings, leading to thousands of wasted police hours.

The ongoing debate in New York City reflects the broader national conversation about the role of surveillance technology in policing and its societal implications. As Chicago moves forward without ShotSpotter, the effectiveness of its alternative strategies for addressing gun violence will be closely watched, potentially influencing other municipalities currently utilizing or considering the technology.