Since the launch of Campaign Zero’s Cancel ShotSpotter campaign in April 2022, fifteen cities have announced cancellations or rejected the use of ShotSpotter technology.
In May 2022, Buffalo, NY, and Shreveport, LA, decided against using ShotSpotter. In September, Green Bay, WI, decided to spend its money on other budget items, followed by Dayton, OH, which canceled in October. By November 2022, Atlanta, GA, had stopped using ShotSpotter, and Seattle, WA, rejected the technology.
In 2023, Nashville, TN, opted not to install ShotSpotter, even though it was included in the budget for FY23 and FY24, as noted by the assistant police chief. Portland, OR, rejected a contract proposal in June 2023. Raleigh, NC, considered the tool but did not initiate a contract.
The trend continued into 2024, with Buffalo, NY, reaffirming its decision in February. Also in February, Mayor Brandon Johson announced Chicago’s contract, the company’s largest, would expire by the end of the year. In March, Durham, NC, Indianapolis, IN, and Pompano Beach, FL, canceled their use of the technology, followed by an April announcement that Mobile, AL, will not renew. Winston-Salem, NC, will not renew its contract when it expires in September.

The growing list of cities distancing themselves from ShotSpotter reflects declining confidence in its reliability and effectiveness as a tool to combat gun violence. This shift opens up opportunities to allocate resources toward restorative and non-punitive solutions that enhance public safety.