ShotSpotter gun shot detection technology in use on a light pole in Humboldt Park on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. The ShotSpotter gunshot detection system will remain in use into next fall after its operator and Chicago agreed to a seven-month extension “followed by a two-month transition period” Friday.
Uncertainty surrounding the technology’s future emerged the day after Johnson pledged to extend ShotSpotter’s contract beyond its Friday expiration to instead end in September. That’s when Ald. Chris Taliaferro, 29th, said ShotSpotter representatives planned to turn down the extension. Johnson had described the extension as a much needed off-ramp for police to “revamp operations.”
“In advance of the September termination date, the Chicago Police Department will work to revamp operations within the Strategic Decision Support Centers, implement new training and further develop response models to gun violence that ultimately reduce shootings and increase accountability,” the statement said.
Later Thursday night, the company said it had previously discussed a longer 12-month extension with the city, but said Johnson’s Tuesday pledge to keep ShotSpotter running until after the Democratic National Convention in August was made “contrary to those discussions and without consultation.”“When I’ve had conversations with those who operate and run ShotSpotter, from the very beginning we were clear about what I’ve already announced. That is still in place,” he said.