The Denver Police Department is installing more sensors as part of its "ShotSpotter" gunfire detection program, according to a report on the site of Fox 31 Denver.
Under the expanded program, the sensors will be installed in Denver’s downtown area. The sensing devices will enable police get to shootings more quickly. The spotters send a real-time signal, which according to the Denver police department more accurately pinpoints where the shot originated.
The Denver Police Department is installing sensors in the downtown Mall area as it expands its "ShotSpotter" gunfire detection program. (FOX31 Denver)
"We are able to utilize this new technology in a way that will assist us in preventing gun violence as well as holding those accountable who do commit gun violence in our city," DPD Chief Paul Pazen said in the report. The Downtown Denver Partnership helped the city pay for the new devices.
“It is important―whether you are a visitor, a resident, someone in need of services―that we all experience the city that envelops us in a safe and secure environment," Downtown Partnership president and CEO Tami Door said.
ShotSpotters have been in Denver neighborhoods for seven years.
The report quoted one merchant welcoming the program as being Robbie Marks, who owns a store called Marxstyle, located on the 16th Street Mall for 20 years. She had heard about the ShotSpotters being placed in the area.
"I’m not quite sure what it's going to do, what it’s going to accomplish. And that’s what I’m waiting to see," Marks said.
Police would not tell FOX31 exactly where its ShotSpotters are located due to security reasons.