Chicago voters weigh return of gunshot detection technology
- Chicago voters are considering an advisory referendum on the return of gunshot detection technology.
- Mayor Brandon Johnson is independently launching a pilot program for a new detection method in six police districts.
- The city previously spent $49 million on ShotSpotter before discontinuing its use in 2024.
- Residents and students have expressed mixed views regarding technology accuracy and potential privacy concerns.
- The 2026 ballot also features measures on income tax surcharges and federal compensation for ICE operations.
The 2026 Cook County midterm ballot includes an advisory referendum proposing the return of gunshot detection technology to alert first responders to gunfire.
This ballot measure is distinct from the separate administrative effort being pursued by Mayor Brandon Johnson to launch a pilot program in six police districts.
Mayor Johnson launches separate gunshot detection pilot
Chicago is currently taking steps toward implementing this new method of gunshot detection.
City spent $49 million on discontinued ShotSpotter technology
Chicago previously used ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection technology provided by the company SoundThinking, which the city discontinued in 2024.
Between 2018 and 2024, the city spent approximately $49 million on this technology.
Residents express concerns over accuracy and privacy
Jordyn Mousa, a second-year political science and English major who has worked as a trained EMT since 2025, described the ballot measure as an "objectively good concept". She noted that she has concerns regarding the overall reliability of the technology.
Mousa said that false alarms triggered by sounds similar to gunshots could delay paramedics and decrease the survival rate of victims. She stated, "No matter what, you can’t help somebody else if you’re in danger".
Mia Obernesser, a third-year environmental science major, expressed uncertainty regarding the implications of the gunshot detection measure. She also stated concerns about the potential for over-patrolled areas.
Agata Soltys, a first-year applied social psychology graduate student, said she feels fear regarding the technology. She raised concerns about its unproven effectiveness and the potential for misuse.
Soltys stated, "You’re starting with gunshots, but what else can it lead to?".
An individual named Ring said that gunshot detection technology may have accuracy issues and might not be the best option for combating gun violence.
Ring stated, "It makes logical sense, especially within the cities too, but also I’m really against Flock cameras going up as well".
Cook County ballot includes tax and immigration measures
This advisory referendum aims to divide proceeds between K-12 public school funding and property tax relief.
The state of Illinois currently maintains a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. Changing this structure requires a constitutional amendment, following a 2020 proposal for a graduated income tax that only 45% of voters supported.
The Chicago Public Schools system reported a $730 million deficit in May 2025. Leadership attributed this shortfall to rising pension payments and operating costs.
Another ballot measure seeks federal compensation for costs related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. This includes expenses for safety responses, lost tax revenue, and services for affected families.
These costs follow Operation Midway Blitz, an ICE surge initiated by the Trump administration in September 2025. The operation resulted in approximately 550 arrests within its first two weeks.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s path to office
Brandon Johnson, the 57th Mayor of Chicago, was sworn into office on May 15, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Brandon Johnson (linkedin.com)
- Cook County ballot measures address ICE and millionaire taxes among other proposals | The Loyola Phoenix (loyolaphoenix.com)
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