Cleveland Extends ShotSpotter Contract Without Council Approval, Sparking Transparency Debate
By Nexio News
CLEVELAND — The city’s Public Safety Director, Wayne Drummond, has acknowledged bypassing Cleveland City Council to renew an $850,000 contract for ShotSpotter, a controversial gunfire detection system. The move has ignited criticism from lawmakers and residents who argue it undermines government accountability.
A Controversial Renewal
Under Cleveland’s rules, contracts exceeding $50,000 typically require council approval. However, Drummond’s administration used a legal loophole to extend ShotSpotter’s contract through April 2025 via the Board of Control—a panel consisting of the mayor, finance director, and law director—without legislative input.
Drummond defended the decision, stating the technology helps police respond to shootings faster, especially in cases where 911 calls aren’t made. “I wanted to ensure we didn’t lose coverage,” he said.
But critics, including Public Safety Committee Chair Michael Polensek, say the maneuver erodes public trust. “We need to put caps and restrictions on this process,” Polensek told Nexio News. He is now discussing potential changes to city code with Council President Blaine Griffin to prevent similar bypasses in the future.
Mayor Defends the Move
Mayor Justin Bibb has stood by the decision, emphasizing public safety as a top priority. In a recent interview, he argued that ShotSpotter provides critical data to solve crimes. “When shootings happen and no one calls 911, this technology helps us save lives,” Bibb said.
However, skepticism remains. A Cleveland State University study commissioned by the city has yet to release conclusive findings on ShotSpotter’s effectiveness, leaving some questioning whether the hefty price tag is justified.
Another Tech Contract Looms
The debate comes as Cleveland faces another contentious decision: whether to renew a contract with Flock Safety, a company operating 100 automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras across the city. The current deal expires in June.
Drummond has not confirmed whether Flock’s renewal will go through the Board of Control or City Council, saying discussions with lawmakers are ongoing. Polensek, however, insists council oversight is non-negotiable.
“That’s why we have a legislative branch,” he said. “There’s a separation of powers, and the administration must respect that.”
Privacy Concerns Linger
Flock’s cameras have drawn scrutiny nationwide over fears of mass surveillance and potential misuse. In Cleveland, activists with the FlockNo campaign delivered a petition with nearly 300 signatures earlier this year, urging the city to abandon the system.
Organizers argue the cameras could be exploited for immigration enforcement, though Drummond denies any such use. Flock’s website also states it does not work with ICE or Homeland Security agencies.
What’s Next?
As Cleveland grapples with balancing public safety and transparency, the ShotSpotter controversy may set the tone for future tech contracts. With Polensek pushing for stricter oversight, the coming months could see significant changes in how the city approves surveillance tools.
For now, residents and lawmakers alike are left questioning whether efficiency should come at the cost of accountability.
— Reported by Nexio News
