Alarm.com is introducing a free pilot program in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, which may include drones designed to record video of shooters to assist police in making arrests. The initiative was presented on Monday but has not yet received approval from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office or the Chicago City Council.
The proposed system was demonstrated on the South Side, where Marquis McClure, Alarm.com’s security operations manager, highlighted the system’s distinguishing features. “We’re different than ShotSpotter,” McClure explained. “Our technology detects gunshots using acoustic sound and infrared sensors to capture muzzle flashes.”
The use of infrared technology is expected to reduce false alerts, a major criticism of ShotSpotter, which the city discontinued last fall. “This system addresses concerns about false positives by implementing a two-step verification process instead of relying on a single method,” said Ald. Raymond Lopez of the 15th Ward. 
As part of the pilot program, Alarm.com plans to deploy drones that would capture video evidence following gunfire, aiming to provide police with actionable leads. “This is being accepted as a gift to the city of Chicago, allowing us to proceed quickly once the administration is on board,” Lopez added.
However, the mayor’s office stated that it is currently evaluating 15 alternative technologies to replace ShotSpotter. Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez of the 25th Ward emphasized that any new system should undergo thorough testing and scrutiny before adoption. “Whatever proposal moves forward must be tested and supported by evidence, not just political approval,” he said.
In the meantime, Lopez expressed concern about the delay in adopting a replacement system. Alarm.com’s free six-month pilot program in Back of the Yards is expected to launch by early summer, pending necessary approvals.
Source: NBC Chicago Photo: Prescreen
