The Record: Chicago stops using controversial ShotSpotter gunshot detection system

“Acoustic gunshot detection tools have disparate impacts on majority-minority neighborhoods, increasing police activity in neighborhoods where sensors are placed, perpetuating patterns of policing practices,” the petition from the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) said. 

The petition also highlighted that the landmark civil rights law bars recipients of federal funds — in this case local police agencies — not only from discriminating intentionally, but also for using methods which “appear neutral but have a discriminatory effect on individuals because of their race, color, or national origin.” 

Jeramie Scott, who directs the organization’s surveillance oversight project, said ShotSpotter infringes on the privacy of the poor and minority populations who are predominantly exposed to it.  

“The result is undue surveillance and over-policing of marginalized communities while spending funds that could be spent on crime prevention programs instead,” Scott said.  

“Shotspotter alerts prime police to expect dangerous situations which raises the risk of harm to communities that are often already subject to a disproportionate amount of police force,” Scott added.

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