Rally planned ahead of ShotSpotter hearing in Chicago

It's been nearly two years since Chicago's ShotSpotter contract expired, and the city has yet to find a replacement.

On Wednesday, aldermen are expected to press city officials for answers about what's causing the delay. This City Council Public Safety Committee hearing comes after months of questions about what will replace ShotSpotter.

Ahead of Wednesday's hearing, Father Michael Pfleger, Purpose Over Pain, and other community leaders planned to rally outside City Hall to push for transparency and urge the city to move more quickly.

The Public Safety Committee was scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. to discuss the status of the city's search for a new gunshot detection system.

The hearing was called by Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), who has questioned what's taking so long to find a replacement.

After seven years, ShotSpotter was removed from Chicago in September 2024, after Mayor Brandon Johnson decided not to renew the contract. This was despite a monthslong fight to keep the technology in the city.

Since ShotSpotter was taken offline, city officials have said they are evaluating other technology options. But a replacement has not been announced.