Activists Sue Chicago for Use of Controversial ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection Tech

The use of controversial gunshot detection technology by law enforcement is being called into question by a federal lawsuit. The suit was filed this week by the MacArthur Justice Center at the law school accusing the Chicago police of using inaccurate and unreliable technology from ShotSpotter and not pursuing additional leads. Police put "blind faith" in ShotSpotter's evidence according to the suit.

One man was killed in a shooting in Chicago in 2020. Police used two pieces of evidence to link the killing to a 65-year-old man. A noiseless security video of William's vehicle passing through an intersection was used by police to link a gunshot to ShotSpotter's system. A judge dismissed Williams' case after prosecutors admitted they lacked sufficient evidence.

Williams and the center are looking for damages. William lost his income, legal bills, and mental anguish as a result of the lawsuit. The suit seeks class-action status for any Chicagoans stopped on the basis of ShotSpotter technology. According to reports, the suit includes details of a man named Daniel who claims he was wrongly arrested by the police when he was doing laundry.

My family is a good one. The statement was released by the MacArthur Justice Center. All the police could see was stereotypes. The police could do anything.

The lawsuit wasn't reviewed by Gizmodo. We reached out to the justice center but have not heard back.

ShotSpotter works by setting up networks of microphones and sensors that blanket specific target areas believed to have higher incidences of gunfire. In theory, those sensors are able to pick up the sound of a gun and communicate with one another using artificial intelligence. The NYPD in New York City uses ShotSpotter in order to better track gun crime. Activist organizations and police reform groups have spoken out against ShotSpotter, saying it could lead to more interactions between vulnerable communities and police. The ShotSpotter system never revealed any gun-related crime, according to a study conducted by the justice center.

ShotSpotter did not reply immediately.