Mayor Johnson cites improved police response times to defend ending ShotSpotter, while city considers new gunshot detection bids
By
Jake Sheridan
Fresh out the oven, still warm. Top of the tray.
Summary
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson defended his decision to end the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, citing a University of Chicago study showing police response times improved by 4.2 minutes on average since the program ended in September 2024. Johnson argued this proves critics were wrong about the technology's necessity, even as his administration reviews bids from other companies to potentially install similar gunshot detection tools citywide.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThat's proof, the mayor argued, that critics' 'consternation' about his decision was misplaced.
Johnson pointed to a study from the Justice Project at the University of Chicago that determined response times where the technology operated have improved 4.2 minutes on average since he ended the ShotSpotter deal in September 2024.
Mayor Brandon Johnson argued Wednesday that Chicago police are doing a better job without gunshot detection technology like the controversial ShotSpotter system he got rid of.
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