Downtown Denver BID & Partnership-funded Gunshot Detection System to be Tested on July 18th

On Thursday, July 18, 2019, between approximately 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Denver Police Department (DPD) will conduct controlled tests of recently-installed gunshot detection equipment.
The live-gunshot tests will consist of a sequence of gunshots followed by validation of sound detection by the system. During the tests, a bullet trap will be used to ensure public safety. No bullets will be fired into the air or ground, and there is no danger to the public.

DPD selected the hours of 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for testing because most shootings and shots fired incidents occur at night and in the early morning hours, and acoustics are different at night.

This is an important effort as we collectively work to ensure the safety and security for all who live, work and play in Downtown Denver.

The Downtown Denver Business Improvement District and the Downtown Denver Partnership, in collaboration with the City and County of Denver and Denver Police Department, provided funding to expand the city’s gunshot detection system into Downtown Denver, the fifth geographic area in the city to be served by the technology. Downtown property owners have been key partners in helping to make the implementation of this important technology a reality.

The gunshot detection system uses a network of acoustic sensors to detect when a gun is fired and then precisely and quickly pinpoints the location of the gunfire. In less than a minute, the vendor notifies the police of the incidents. By quickly notifying police with precise information, the system helps to speed police response, has the potential to save the lives of shooting victims, increases weapons-related arrests, and enhances neighborhood safety. While this gunshot detection system is very effective, DPD still encourages the community to report sounds of gunfire.

The Downtown Denver Partnership and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District joined forces with the Denver Police Department in 2016 to implement a comprehensive Downtown Security Action Plan that has realized year over year decreases in reported crimes in the years 2016 – 2018 within the BID and overall improved perception of safety throughout downtown. The Partnership and the BID, alongside our public sector partners, are firmly committed to creating and sustaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment in Downtown Denver.