Brandon Johnson will fulfill his campaign promise by removing Chicago’s gunshot detection system
Chicago Mayor Keeps Promise to Remove Gunshot Detection System
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is delivering on his campaign pledge by discontinuing the city’s gunshot detection system, a victory for progressive activists who advocate for comprehensive approaches to crime.
On Tuesday, Johnson announced that the city will not renew its contract with ShotSpotter, which will expire on Feb. 16. The system of acoustic sensors on light poles in most South and West Side neighborhoods will be decommissioned on Sept. 22.
Prior to the removal of the sensors in September, the Johnson administration plans to evaluate tools and programs that effectively enhance safety and trust. Recommendations will be issued by law enforcement and other community safety stakeholders.
During the 2023 mayoral race, Johnson campaigned on a platform of moving away from traditional public safety methods. The decision to eliminate the gunshot sensors comes after months of speculation about the mayor’s stance on holistic crime prevention and police reform. Johnson promised voters and community members that he would cancel ShotSpotter, as they blamed the technology for an increase in police violence and its role in prosecution cases.
“Moving forward, the city of Chicago will deploy its resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime,” Johnson stated. “Doing this work, in consultation with community, violence prevention organizations and law enforcement, provides a pathway to a better, stronger, safer Chicago for all.”
Grassroots activists have long advocated for the removal of the gunshot sensors. The issue gained renewed attention in 2021 after a sensor alert in Little Village led to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo during a police chase. Bodycam footage showed that Toledo was shot while raising his hands, and he dropped or threw the gun he was holding less than a second before being shot by the officer. The incident sparked mass protests and outrage from Latino leaders and community members.
Kennedy Bartley, executive director of United Working Families, commended the activist community for their instrumental role in convincing the city to abandon ShotSpotter. “Elections matter. Organizing matters,” Bartley said. “Today is a new day, where investments in evidence-based, holistic solutions that don’t just respond to violence but prevent it are driving our city’s public safety policy. We know a safer Chicago is on the horizon.”
This decision is likely to further strain Johnson’s relationship with law enforcement and pro-police city leaders, who have criticized his approach to crime. Supporters of ShotSpotter argue that the absence of sensors, which help trace gunshots, will make it more difficult to locate victims and offenders in a timely manner.
Several aldermen, including Chris Taliaferro, David Moore, Anthony Beale, and Silvana Tabares, held a conference denouncing Johnson’s decision. They argue that it could hinder officers’ ability to respond to gun violence. Chicago police data shows that there were nearly 3,000 shootings in 2023.
“We’re losing the ability of our police responders and our first responders to respond to scenes much quicker than our traditional call-in to 911,” said Taliaferro, a former Chicago police sergeant. “When you lose that ability to quickly respond, you also decrease the ability to save lives.”
Other aldermen had mixed reactions to the news. Walter Burnett stated that the expensive technology was not deemed worthwhile. The most recent renewal last summer cost Chicago $10.2 million. Burnett suggested redirecting the funds to hire more police officers or add license plate readers to address the rise in carjackings.
“I know that the mayor is very concerned about supporting the superintendent,” Burnett said. “There’s a myriad of things the money can be used for that could be helpful.”
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How does the removal of the gunshot detection system align with the goal of shifting resources towards community-based solutions for public safety?
The Chicago Coalition for Police Accountability, praised Mayor Johnson’s decision to remove the gunshot detection system. Bartley stated, “This is a necessary step towards reimagining public safety in our city. The gunshot detection system disproportionately targeted communities of color and contributed to the over-policing and criminalization of innocent individuals. We applaud Mayor Johnson for prioritizing community input and investing in alternative strategies that address the root causes of violence.”
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to shift resources away from traditional law enforcement approaches and towards community-based solutions. The removal of the gunshot detection system aligns with this broader goal. Activists argue that investing in social services, mental health support, and affordable housing will have a more significant impact on reducing violence than relying solely on technology-driven surveillance.
However, not everyone is supportive of the decision. Some community members express concerns about the possible increase in gun violence without the presence of the gunshot detection system. They worry that the sensors provided a valuable tool for law enforcement to quickly respond to incidents and apprehend perpetrators.
Mayor Johnson and his administration are aware of these concerns and emphasize the importance of finding alternative strategies to ensure public safety. They are committed to working collaboratively with law enforcement, community organizations, and violence prevention experts to identify effective solutions. The recommendations that will be issued demonstrate the administration’s dedication to an evidence-based, community-centered approach to addressing violence.
The removal of the gunshot detection system in Chicago reflects a broader national debate on the role of surveillance and technology in policing. While these systems can provide valuable data and assist in crime prevention, they also raise questions about privacy, racial bias, and the potential for abuse. As cities and communities grapple with these complex issues, the decision taken by Mayor Johnson sets an example of prioritizing community trust and investing in comprehensive crime prevention strategies.
Moving forward, it will be crucial to closely monitor the impact of removing the gunshot detection system in Chicago. Evaluating the effectiveness of alternative safety measures, as well as tracking changes in crime rates, will be essential. By doing so, Chicago can continue to learn and adapt its approach to public safety, ensuring the well-being and security of its residents.
In conclusion, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s decision to remove the gunshot detection system demonstrates his commitment to holistic crime prevention and police reform. While there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of such systems, this move signals a shift towards community-based strategies and a dedication to addressing the root causes of violence. As the city evaluates alternative approaches, it remains essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all Chicago residents.
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