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Chicago aldermen call on mayor to reactivate ShotSpotter
Chicago aldermen are coming together to call on Mayor Brandon Johnson to reactivate the ShotSpotter gun detection system. Several city council members worked with local businesses to raise money to bring the technology back to Chicago.
CHICAGO - A group of Chicago aldermen and community leaders offered to contribute $2.5 million to help cover some of the cost of ShotSpotter until the city can implement a permanent solution.
Led by 17th Ward Alderman David Moore, the group called on Mayor Brandon Johnson to reactivate the technology, which was deactivated in late September.
ShotSpotter, which uses acoustic sensors to detect gunshots and alert police, has been used in Chicago for several years. While some have questioned its effectiveness, others argue that it has helped police respond to shootings more quickly and catch suspects.
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The city's annual cost for ShotSpotter is $9.6 million. The $2.5 million offered would cover about 26% of that cost.
Alderman Moore was joined by Alderman Stephanie Coleman, Monique Scott, and Peter Chico at City Hall Tuesday morning to call on the mayor to reconsider the city's public safety plan.