Alders say ShotSpotter replacement pilot program is confusing, opaque

As the city of Chicago searches for a permanent gunshot detection technology vendor to replace ShotSpotter, a pilot program could possibly begin while the search continues.

And there are many unanswered questions about who is behind the pilot program at all.

Chicago voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of resuming of using gunshot detection technology in a referendum vote on Election Day.

More than 72% of voters supported the non-binding referendum on asking if Chicago should "restart use of gunshot detection technology that informs first responders when gunshots are detected."

The city was originally planning to test one company's technology in six police districts on the South and West Sides, along with drones and license plate readers.

Monday night, alders tried to get to the bottom of what the pilot program would look like, with little success.

"Clearly they're trying to obstruct the entire process," said 39th Ward Ald. Samantha Nugent.

"So, commissioner, what are we doing?" wondered 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale.

"We are working closely with the departments to create a pathway that we can test technologies, including license plate readers, drones and the like," said Sharla Roberts, the city's chief procurement officer.

Members of the Chicago City Council said Chicago Police Department top brass was not consulted on the specifics of the program either, beyond deciding which areas on the South and West Sides would see new technology.

"I think everything that we've heard up to this point is a ruse just to get through the election," accused 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez.

CBS News Chicago has learned the Johnson administration's pilot program involves four undisclosed companies, not all of which are in the original running for the permanent contract.

They will test not only gunshot detection but also possibly drone technology, license plate readers and other AI tools.

The city claims the work could be done for free during the pilot period.

"It's hard to believe that this is a no-cost program, and it's hard to believe that they wouldn't come and tell us that considering what an important matter this is to City Council and to the public," said 34th Ward Ald. Bill Conway.

Among the companies being floated for the program, which was expected to already be underway at this point and has since been pushed back, include SoundThinking – the company behind ShotSpotter – and ZeroEyes, an AI technology used by CTA to detect guns, according to sources.

City Hall would not confirm their involvement, but both companies have faced criticism for false alarms and privacy concerns.

City leaders have said the pilot will be separate from the eventual multi-million dollar contract expected to be awarded after it concludes.

"I would not be surprised if this company was set up to fail," Lopez said. "I would not be surprised. That's what it was somebody who's in obscurity in this room, chosen for this purpose."

At Monday night's hearing, city leaders testified that the pilot program should start by Jan. 1, 2027, and last six months.