Detroit City Chatter: ShotSpotter extension approved
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Welcome back to our regular city policy roundup.
🚨 Gun detection tech: City Council narrowly approved a ShotSpotter contract extension on Tuesday — the same day the contract was set to expire. Dozens of members of the public spoke for and against the $2 million extension running through March 2027.
- The controversial technology identifies the sound of gunshots through live microphones.
- Its proponents, including Detroit police, say it's been crucial for reducing crime and responding to unreported gunfire.
- Critics say it's invasive, questionably effective and that other gun detection tech vendors should be explored.
- Council voted 5-4, with members Gabriela Santiago-Romero, Denzel McCampbell, Mary Waters and President James Tate against.
Flashback: Detroit first began using ShotSpotter in 2020, then approved a major expansion in 2022.
🏖️ Island park latest: Planned Belle Isle updates include expanding its popular beach, park officials told City Council Tuesday in an annual update.
- The Belle Isle Conservancy is also fundraising to create a commons-like central area near the conservatory and aquarium.
- The visitor count increased from 5.5 million in 2024 to 5.7 million last year, per state officials who manage the island. Belle Isle is the most-visited Michigan state park.
- Federally funded improvements underway include masonry and structural work on the James Scott Memorial Fountain, shelter and bathroom repairs, and better cooling in the aquarium.
📄 ICE limits: Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero's ordinance proposal that would restrict ICE operations on some city-owned property is still making its way through bureaucracy.
- City staff are considering two versions of the proposed rule changes, Santiago-Romero said during a committee meeting.
- The next step is "to review this with immigrant rights groups, organizations doing legal work. I want to make sure whatever we push through is helpful."
- City lawyers have discussed with city council how it could limit local resources being used for ICE without obstructing the federal agency, which the city cannot legally do.