(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Some Chicago aldermen and community advocates are calling on city government to cancel its contract for so-called ShotSpotter technology that is supposed to detect guns firing.
Ald. Carlos Ramiez-Rosa, 35th, on Monday said 17 aldermen have signed a letter asking the city to stop using ShotSpotter devices. He said studies, including one done for the city’s Inspector General, indicate the device is definitively accurate only about one in 10 instances.
This is not helping to reduce violent crime, he said.
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez said the program is a waste of money.
Vee Moore, with the community group Assata’s Daughters, said it’s more than a financial issue. She said police arriving on the scene are more likely to respond with deadly force when they arrive at a scene anticipating danger.
Yes, some people in troubled neighborhoods want relief, observers say. But activist Cheryl Miller said people don’t want the city to use methods that don’t work.
The advocates say investing in neighborhoods and jobs would be preferable.
Related
