Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the issuance of a Request for Information (RFI) to gather recommendations on first responder technology. This move aims to ensure prompt attention from first responders during emergencies. The City of Chicago, as previously stated in February 2024, will discontinue using acoustic gunshot detection technology from SoundThinking, Inc. starting Sunday, September 22, 2024.
Qualified vendors with extensive experience in first responder response technology are encouraged to submit their RFI proposals.
“The ultimate goal is to deploy resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime. We have to explore better options that save more lives,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Through this RFI process, the City of Chicago will be able to aggressively look at equitable alternatives to help first responders acquire the absolute best community safety resources to aid them in reaching and responding to emergency scenes.”
In preparation for today’s decommissioning of the SoundThinking, Inc. contract, the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety launched a working group that has been addressing concerns and developing alternative options for increasing safety for Chicago residents and communities over several months. Participants in these initial meetings included both City and non-City employees with direct experience with the current technology, deep involvement in violence-impacted communities, and extensive backgrounds in law enforcement, violence interruption, and prevention.
“This working group has been and will continue to gather feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders and community leaders to assess tools and programs that effectively increase both safety and trust,” said Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood. “Chicago is not the first or the only big city to move away from this form of technology. We have been in communications with Seattle, Houston, San Antonio, and Portland – cities that have explored other options for technology – to discuss the strategies they are employing as alternatives.”
The working group is considering various options such as:
- Investing in victim prevention and assistance programs in schools and hospitals
- Improving monitoring capabilities and response times of first responders
- Investing in first responder personnel to work with communities on crime resolution
- Increasing funding for street-level outreach programs and hiring violence interrupters
“This Request for Information will allow the city to receive the most innovative ideas that will help us continue moving in the right direction with community safety and provide more options for violence prevention resources,” said Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts.
The City of Chicago is committed to building a safer city through this RFI process. Interested parties can visit the City’s iSupplier portal to view and respond to the solicitation. Vendor registration is required for engaging with the iSupplier eProcurement system.