Minneapolis City Council Votes on ShotSpotter Funding

The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote on funding the gunshot detection technology, ShotSpotter, until early 2026, following a committee's recommendation that raised concerns about its effectiveness and impact on communities of color. Critics, including advocacy group Campaign Zero, highlight issues with the technology mistaking loud noises for gunfire, leading to unnecessary police responses in already over-policed neighborhoods. In Chicago, the City Council has voted to limit the Mayor's power over the ShotSpotter contract, enabling police leadership to have more control, despite Mayor Brandon Johnson's efforts to phase out the technology due to its high costs and questionable efficacy. Johnson has faced pushback from some aldermen who believe the system is vital for rapid police response, although studies suggest it may contribute to over-policing rather than proactive crime prevention. With contracts totaling $49 million since its introduction in Chicago, the future of ShotSpotter remains contentious as city leaders weigh its benefits against community concerns. Both cities are grappling with the implications of gunshot detection technology as they consider public safety and civil rights.