public safety
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Colorado lawmakers tackle legislation on sexual assault
A panel of Colorado lawmakers on Monday unanimously approved a bill that supporters say will offer protections and support to victims of domestic violence, stalking, sex trafficking and sexual assault, including mandatory training for law enforcement on trauma. The measure, Senate Bill 26-095, would also allow accusers in those crimes to potentially testify via closed-circuit…
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Two front pages, one false choice for Colorado lawmakers | OPINION
Every day, the headlines remind us how fragile safety can be. Stories of violence, loss, and families searching for answers are becoming far too common — and they demand serious, thoughtful policymaking. Recent reporting on federal immigration enforcement has been deeply troubling. Aggressive tactics, lack of accountability and the loss of civilian life have created…
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DA’s office justifies Colorado Springs police officers in August shooting
The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office ruled two Colorado Springs police officers were justified in their use of deadly force against Cole Vannucci, 42, on Aug. 22, according to a news release by the office. Vannucci had an active arrest warrant from a domestic violence case and was raising an airsoft rifle when he was…
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Denver 911 wants upgrade to $24M dispatch system
After 23 years on the job and millions of calls, Denver 911 hopes to retire its aging dispatch system in favor of a new $24 million computer-aided dispatch system from Motorola. The system, sometimes referred to as CAD, documents all 911 calls, field responder movements, dispatch and arrival times, dispositions and clearances. City officials said…
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4 arrested after $900K in damages to former Pueblo County middle school
Pueblo County sheriff’s deputies arrested four men after interrupting a burglary in progress at the former Excelsior Middle School on Thursday, according to a news release by the Sheriff’s Office. Richard Luther, 60, Tylor Lovell, 31, Ezequiel Baca, 35, and Anthony Nagy, 59, allegedly caused around $900,000 worth of “extensive damage” to computers, ceilings, plumbing,…
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Modern public safety tools strengthen the freedoms we cherish | OPINION
By Samuel G. Michael As someone who has spent years working alongside Ethiopian families across Colorado, I’ve heard a common story. Many of us came to this country seeking two things that define the American promise — safety and freedom. We came because America offers the promise you can raise your children without fear, build…
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Colorado chose politics over public safety and now our communities pay the price | PODIUM
By Chris Richardson and Max Brooks This week, federal authorities arrested Jose Barrera-Bolanos in Denver. He is an illegal immigrant who had already been convicted of sexually assaulting a child. That fact alone should stop every parent, grandparent and lawmaker in Colorado in their tracks. This was not a minor offense. This was not a…
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No TABOR refunds this year, as Colorado Gov. Polis warns of tight fiscal outlook
Gov. Jared Polis on Friday submitted revised budget requests for the next two fiscal years, calling for new public safety spending, changes to Medicaid growth, and renewed efforts to privatize Pinnacol Assurance. Notably, the governor said Colorado residents won’t get refunds from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). “We are focused on protecting the issues…
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Arapahoe County investigators searching for suspects in $120K fairgrounds theft
Arapahoe County investigators are searching for four grinches who stole $120,000 in trucks and tools from the county’s fairgrounds on Tuesday, according to a sheriff’s office news release Wednesday. Investigators said four suspects in masks entered the maintenance shop at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave. in Aurora, just before 10 p.m. Tuesday…
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Dead birds from John Martin Reservoir State Park test positive for avian influenza
Four birds removed from John Martin Reservoir State Park have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), according to a post on social media by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. CPW officers removed eight deceased snow geese from the park and sent swab samples for testing on Nov. 24. Migrating birds had tested positive for…