Alders Demand Answers on Delays to Gunshot Detection Technology and Police Records System

Alders Demand Answers on Delays to Gunshot Detection Technology and Police Records System

Alders warn stalled procurements are delaying critical police oversight tools and slowing emergency response capabilities across Chicago


CHICAGO, IL –  Aldermen Brian Hopkins, Peter Chico, Derrick G. Curtis and members of the Chicago City Council are convening a hearing before the Committee on Public Safety to examine ongoing delays in procuring two major public safety technologies: a new records management system for the Chicago Police Department and a replacement acoustic gunshot detection technology system.


Council members say the hearing is necessary to better understand why both procurement processes remain stalled despite prior Council action, approved funding and years of procurement activity already underway.


Alders are also emphasizing that the records management system procurement is not simply an internal technology upgrade, but a critical operational and accountability tool for the Chicago Police Department, noting that the City’s outdated reporting systems require officers to spend significant time completing duplicative paperwork for single incidents, keeping officers off the street longer, creating inefficiencies in reporting and increasing the risk of inconsistencies that can expose the City to legal liability. A modernized records management system has also long been tied to broader CPD reform, transparency and consent decree compliance efforts.


“This hearing is about getting clear answers on why these critical public safety procurements continue to face delays and what the administration’s plan is to move them forward,” said Alderman Brian Hopkins. “Chicago cannot afford continued delays when it comes to systems that support officer accountability, emergency response and victim recovery. The City Council has a responsibility to ensure these projects are moving forward with the urgency they require.”


“Having worked as a police officer in this city, I can tell you there were too many times when officers were responding with limited information or trying to locate where shots actually came from,” said Alderman Peter Chico. “This technology is a crucial tool that can help officers respond faster and help victims get medical attention sooner. We knew this system was being phased out, funding was approved for a replacement and yet there are still serious questions about why a replacement has not been deployed as we head into another summer.”


“This hearing is about accountability and making sure the administration follows through on commitments that have already been funded and approved by the City Council,” said Alderman Derrick Curtis. “Chicagoans deserve confidence that the systems intended to support public safety and improve operations are actually moving forward. We are seeking transparency about where these procurements stand and what is causing the delays.”


The hearing follows months of questions from City Council over the administration’s failure to advance both procurements despite existing budget appropriations and prior Council action. The City’s current records management system replacement has been delayed for more than two years, despite an award recommendation issued in September 2025 and completed contract negotiations in October 2025.


In particular, Council members will seek answers about the continued absence of an acoustic gunshot detection technology system following the City’s decision to decommission ShotSpotter in 2024. According to the resolution introduced by Council members, the delay has had documented public safety consequences, including incidents in which shooting victims were not located for extended periods of time.


The City Council previously passed measures requiring Council approval before removing acoustic gunshot detection technology and directing the administration to avoid interruptions in service.


Council members are also raising concerns about the administration’s handling of the hearing itself. Despite having nearly a month’s advance notice of this hearing and given the significance of the procurements and repeated requests for accountability, several senior administration officials are reported to not be available and are either sending no one in their place or are sending other members of their team who may not be in a position to answer questions necessary to provide the public and members of council with the answers needed to best understand why these procurements are taking as long as they are.


Alders will emphasize that today’s hearing is intended to establish transparency around the procurement process and ensure the administration complies with both its legal obligations and public safety responsibilities.

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