Cities are Ditching ShotSpotter. Why is Pittsburgh Investing More?

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he's keeping a campaign promise — the nation’s third largest city announced last week it’s ditching ShotSpotter, the controversial policing technology trained to identify and locate the sound of gunshots. But as other cities disinvest, Pittsburgh is doubling down. We’re with University of Pittsburgh policing scholar David Harris to talk about how the Steel City’s multi-year, multimillion dollar deal came together, what cops and lawmakers here like about it, and why Harris thinks they need better data. Check out PublicSource’s reporting for a good primer on Pittsburgh’s history with Sound Thinking, the makers of ShotSpotter, plus the Trib’s recent reporting on a new $85,000 expansion into Carrick. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.