Mayor Says He’s ‘Always’ Favored Gunshot Detection Technology As Voters Back Its Return

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson said he supports bringing back gunshot detection technology, but he defended his decision to end the city’s contract with ShotSpotter after voters signaled overwhelming support for the technology in Tuesday’s election. More than 72 percent of voters supported a nonbinding referendum asking whether Chicago should restart using gunshot detection technology that listens for suspected gunfire and alerts first responders to its location. “My position has always been in favor of gunshot detection. I’ve never been opposed to technology,” Johnson said in an interview, his most extensive remarks since the vote last week. “What we did was, we created a more open and transparent process to find the right technology.” Tuesday s ballot question does not require the city to reinstate ShotSpotter or adapt another gunshot detection system. Johnson ended the city’s contract with ShotSpotter in 2024, arguing the technology had not demonstrated its effectivene