Cambridge City Council Votes 5-2 to End ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection Program

CAMBRIDGE — May 18, 2026 — Cambridge City Council ends ShotSpotter gunshot-detection program on a 5-2 vote, citing federal data risks. The council adopted a policy order May 18 directing City Manager Ian Wong to halt all new data collection by ShotSpotter devices and govern existing data under the city's Welcoming City and Surveillance Technology ordinances, overriding objections from Acting Police Commissioner Christine Wells, who cited 11 instances over the program's life in which ShotSpotter triggered without a 911 call, including a July 2024 incident she said saved a gunshot victim's life. Councillors Flaherty and Simmons voted no; Vice Mayor Azeem and Councillor Zussi voted present. McGovern, a co-sponsor, framed his vote around data control: "Under this current federal administration, that scares me." Simmons's motion to table failed 4-5 before the final vote. The council also unanimously approved an $800,000 land acquisition — $450,000 in city water funds plus a $350,000 state grant — to purchase 52 acres in Lincoln protecting Cambridge's Fresh Pond watershed, and established a new Social Housing Task Force on a 9-0 vote. Proposed new council meeting rules, including a 10 p.m. adjournment target, were tabled 6-3 after running past 11 p.m.