Shotspotter research residency
a hyperlocal investigation into the use of audio surveillance technology in east colfax
Counterpath, Denver
Feb 6 - Mar 6, 2023
The Denver Police Department has been using a technology called ShotSpotter since 2015. ShotSpotter claims to be able to identify and locate the sound of gunshots when they occur within areas where their sensors have been installed—information which is then verified by a ShotSpotter representative before being sent to the police. These claims have never been independently tested to established forensic standards, and many other cities have abandoned their use of ShotSpotter, citing its ineffectiveness and inaccuracy, as well as its high cost. Despite this, Denver City Council recently renewed their contract with ShotSpotter for $4.7 million, which will be in addition to the prior $4.5 million contract with ShotSpotter that ran from 2016.
Sound artist and East Colfax resident Ben Coleman was in residence at Counterpath (7935 East 14th Ave. in Denver) from Feb 6— March 6, during which time he researched the ShotSpotter technology installed in the neighborhood. In conversation with local residents and other stakeholders, he gathered a variety of perspectives surrounding the implementation of this technology in East Colfax. Over the course of the month, Ben mapped the presence of ShotSpotter in East Colfax—on the streets, in the daily lives of residents, and in our technological imaginary.
What is ShotSpotter? What is it doing for us, and what is it doing to us? Is it what we think it is?
mapping shotspotter in east colfax
During my residency I took to the streets on foot and bicycle in search of ShotSpotter technology, typically mounted on street lighting poles. My hope is that by finding and mapping this technology it will become more visible, and easier to think and talk about. The SS# number indicated on each sensor seems to be an internal numbering system used by ShotSpotter, and can be seen from the ground printed on the technology. Some images I have taken during my explorations are below as examples.
