Chicago Voters Back Restarting Gunshot Detection
A nonbinding referendum passed with more than 72 percent support, while the city prepares a six-month pilot of replacement public safety technologies.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should Chicago bring back gunshot detection technology to help police respond to shootings?
More than 72 percent of Chicago voters supported a nonbinding referendum on restarting gunshot detection technology that alerts first responders to gunfire locations. The referendum does not require the city to reinstate ShotSpotter or adopt another system.
Why it matters
Mayor Brandon Johnson ended the city's ShotSpotter contract in 2024, arguing the technology had not demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing gun violence. The vote signals strong public interest in the question as Chicago weighs what, if anything, replaces it.
The referendum drew more than 72 percent support from Chicago voters on a nonbinding question about restarting gunshot detection technology. Whether the city will adopt a replacement system remains undecided pending pilot results.
The players
Brandon Johnson
Brandon Johnson is the mayor of Chicago, who ended the city's ShotSpotter contract in 2024.
ShotSpotter
ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection technology company whose contract with the City of Chicago was ended in 2024.
The details
The referendum asked whether Chicago should restart using gunshot detection technology that alerts first responders to gunfire locations. Earlier reports from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and the city's Office of Inspector General found ShotSpotter did not make communities safer or improve prosecutions.
Timeline
2024: City ended its ShotSpotter contract.
November 3, 2026: Voters approved the nonbinding gunshot detection referendum.
Six-month pilot: Violence interruption and public safety technology testing begins in six South and West side police districts.
Political Context
The 2024 termination of the ShotSpotter contract followed reports from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and the city's Office of Inspector General questioning its effectiveness. Johnson's administration now faces voter pressure to revive gunshot detection even as those findings remain on record.
Residents in the six pilot districts on the South and West sides may see gunshot detection systems installed during the six-month pilot. The referendum result does not itself change any police tools or services in the city.
The takeaway
Voter support for gunshot detection shows that public safety tools remain a high priority for Chicago residents, even amid critical reviews of past programs. The outcome of the pilot will shape whether the city returns to this technology.
What happens next
The city expects to evaluate ZeroEyes pilot results before deciding whether to expand the program.
Further reading
For more background on the city's decisions, see City Hall coverage of local policy and contracts.
Live Poll
Should Chicago bring back gunshot detection technology to help police respond to shootings?
