– A day after Mayor Brandon Johnson indicated he would veto a council effort aimed at keeping ShotSpotter – the controversial gunshot detection technology – the device’s parent company, SoundThinking, said it would begin the process of removing some 2,000 sensors from across Chicago beginning on Monday.“We are gratified by the support of the many alderpeople and civic leaders across the city who recognize the undeniable fact that ShotSpotter saves lives.
Earlier Thursday, Johnson was asked what he would do with the city funds that had been previously dedicated to ShotSpotter. He suggested that the city was interested in investing in other technology and communities he said had been historically underserved. The threat by Johnson to veto the City Council measure comes after the majority of aldermen voted 33-14 to strip Johnson of his power to decide if ShotSpotter stays or goes – and instead – place it in the hands of his chosen police chief – Superintendent Larry Snelling.
But there is likely to be an attempt in council to override the veto, which could take 34 votes – one more than what council achieved to pass the measure Wednesday. And there is also the possibility that aldermen could present a legal challenge to the mayor’s office interpretation of the law.