Detroit Evening Report: Detroit City Council, police sued over ShotSpotter expansion
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Two social justice groups are suing the city of Detroit, its police department and city officials over the expansion of ShotSpotter.
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The controversial gunshot detection technology was approved to expand into more neighborhoods.
As the Detroit Free Press reports, the Detroit Justice Center and the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice argue Detroit City Council did not have the authority to approve a $7 million expansion and $1.5 million extension of the existing contract with the California-based company.
The lawsuit claims it violated Detroit’s Community Input over Government Surveillance Ordinance during the approval process. Attorneys filed the lawsuit on behalf of Detroit residents who live in neighborhoods where ShotSpotter is currently used — John Eagan, Sammie Lewis, Michael Shane, Phillip Shane and Sarah Torres — and the James and Grace Lee Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership.
The lawsuit names the city, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit Police Chief James White, the Detroit Police Department, Detroit Chief Deputy CFO and Finance Director John Naglick and Detroit Chief Procurement Officer Sandra Stahl as defendants.
“This lawsuit was filed by community members who are concerned with real safety in our communities and government accountability,” Detroit Justice Center attorney Eric Williams told the Free Press.
Other headlines for December 1, 2022:
- Funds to support neighborhoods affected by Gordie Howe Bridge construction doubles
- City of Detroit hosting vehicle auction
- Pistons host Mavs at LCA tonight, Jaden Ivey (knee) questionable
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