Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on Tuesday that Chicago will not be renewing its contract with ShotSpotter.

The contract with ShotSpotter’s owner, “SoundThinking,” is set to conclude on Friday, but the technology itself will remain operational until September 22.

Officers will retain access to ShotSpotter throughout the summer and during the Democratic National Convention in August.

Mayor Johnson stated that in the coming months, law enforcement and community leaders will evaluate alternative gun violence prevention tools and provide recommendations.

Additionally, the Chicago Police Department will introduce new training and strategies for responding to gun violence, The Hill reported.

Grassroots organizations have long criticized ShotSpotter, citing studies questioning its effectiveness.

A 2021 report by the MacArthur Justice Center revealed that nearly 86% of police responses to gunfire alerts did not result in formal crime reports.

Some argue that the tool contributes to over-policing in marginalized communities. City Council members hold varying perspectives on the matter.

Written by B.C. Begley