Chicago alderpersons press police on Mayor Brandon Johnson's gunshot detection pilot during budget hearing – ABC7 Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Police Department leaders faced questions from City Council members Wednesday during a budget hearing, with much of the discussion focused on a new gunshot detection pilot program announced last week by Mayor Brandon Johnson.The police department, which has the largest budget of any city department, appeared before alderpersons to answer questions about staffing, vacancy rates and overtime spending. However, several Council members expressed frustration over a lack of information about the planned gunshot detection pilot.Ald. Matt O'Shea, 19th Ward, said he was unable to find anyone within the department who could explain the initiative."I couldn't find anyone in the Chicago Police Department that was aware of a pilot," O'Shea said.Interim Chicago Police Superintendent Fred Waller and other department officials told alderpersons they know few details about the program. According to CPD officials, the city's Department of Procurement and Public Safety is overseeing the rollout."So, when will these pilots be deployed?" Budget Committee Chairman Ald. Jason Ervin asked."That is for DPS to answer they are the lead in that one," the official said."You have no idea?" Ervin replied.Police officials said their role was limited to helping the Johnson administration identify six police districts for the pilot program.Ald. Samantha Nugent of the 39th Ward questioned the department's involvement."There is no CPD involvement in a program that is going to be administered by them," Nugent said.The discussion comes two years after the mayor canceled ShotSpotter with the intention of finding a replacement. In recent months, the city issued a call for bids for a new gunshot detection system. It remains unclear whether one of the companies that submitted proposals has been selected for the pilot. The Johnson administration said the effort will be a six-month program.O'Shea criticized the administration's handling of the project."And this is just another example of Mayor Johnson's hide the ball, not be transparent, not be honest with City Council, or more importantly, taxpayers," he said.The budget hearing also included discussion of police overtime spending. Waller said the department has seen a decline in overtime use this year and is closely monitoring costs."We will also continue to monitor overtime and hold ourselves accountable by tracking how and where overtime is being used, so far this year we are seeing a reduction in the use of overtime," Waller said.The mayor's office said it expects to provide an update on the gunshot detection pilot program and implementation dates in early November. The pilot is expected to launch in police districts 2, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11.INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER | Track crime and safety in your neighborhood source