Chicago is planning a pilot program for a new gunshot detection <a href="https://myappsplus.com/this-is-the-way-to-deploy-the-latest-nvidia-technology-much-faster-nvidia-partner/” title=”This is the way to deploy the latest Nvidia technology 'much faster': Nvidia partner”>technology as some aldermen are questioning delays for a ShotSpotter replacement.
ByMaher Kawash
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 9:58PM
CHICAGO (WLS) –Chicago officials are preparing to launch a pilot program to test new gunshot detection technology in six South and West Side wards, nearly two years after the city stopped using ShotSpotter. The announcement has drawn skepticism from several aldermen, who say they are frustrated by the lack of details and what they describe as little progress toward replacing the system.
The city’s chief procurement officer announced the pilot program during a City Council committee hearing Tuesday. The program is intended to evaluate the performance of new gunshot detection technology under real-world conditions.
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Some aldermen questioned why the city is still testing technology after receiving at least nine bids in April 2025 to replace ShotSpotter.
The ABC7 I-Team previously reported 15 companies submitted proposals to the city for new gunshot detection tools after the ShotSpotter system was dismantled in 2024. Those proposals ranged from practical to radical ideas, including the use of drones, AI, and residents’ smartphones.
“We should have had something already. Why are we doing pilots and testing stuff? Why don’t we actually just do something?” said Ald. Emma Mitts, 37th Ward.
Aldermen also criticized the absence of representatives from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration at the committee hearing, saying questions about the pilot program went unanswered.
“We haven’t heard anything, and all we wanted her to do was come talk about it. Have you even contacted a vendor?” Mitts said.
Johnson has defended his decision to replace ShotSpotter with what he says would be more effective technology. However, some City Council members remain unconvinced.
Ald. Ray Lopez, 15th Ward, questioned both the timing and purpose of the proposed pilot program.
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“They’re trying to circumvent City Council, which was poised to introduce an ordinance demanding action on gunshot detection technology. Do I believe that despite being offered several pilots that now in the 11th hour, just before reelection, that he actually cares about the system? I highly doubt it,” Lopez said.
RELATED |Chicago’s search for ShotSpotter replacement stalls amid delays from Procurement Department
During Tuesday’s committee hearing, the city’s procurement officer said the program would evaluate the performance of new technology under real-world conditions. Johnson told ABC7 on Wednesday that the city could test technology from multiple companies rather than selecting a single vendor.
“There are various companies that have different forms of technology that can help us spot or identify shots, but it has to be effective technology, right? Individuals or companies that want to do business with Chicago have made it very clear they can’t be a part of the harm of our city, and they can’t give us junk,” Johnson said.
The discussion has also drawn attention from community leaders. St. Sabina Pastor Michael Pfleger said he believes the city needs gunshot detection technology and questioned whether the latest effort will move forward.
“We gotta start. My thing is, is this for real? Are we gonna do it? And if so, let’s do it now. People say, ‘Well, is this campaign rhetoric?’ Possibly it is, but you know what? I don’t even care if it takes this to get it back,” Pfleger said.
As aldermen await additional information about the pilot program, city officials have not said when testing will begin.
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