star program
-
Bennet ‘optimistic’ for bipartisan support of alternative policing bill as O’Dea slams plan
—
by
The battle to represent Colorado in the U.S. Senate spilled over into a debate over expanding Denver’s alternative policing program nationwide. U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Denver, introduced a bill to fund alternative policing programs across the country, inspired by the Denver Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program. As Bennet held a press conference praising the…
-
Colorado’s Bennet aims to expand Denver’s alternative policing program as crime surges nationwide
—
by
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet sees the potential for Denver’s alternative policing program, which responds to low-level emergencies with paramedics and mental health clinicians, to become a nationwide model. Bennet, D-Denver, introduced a bill Wednesday that would fund law enforcement agencies to partner with mental health professionals, case managers and outreach teams. These civilian-led community policing…
-
Denver gives initial approval to funding for STAR program expansion
—
by
Denver City Council approved on first reading additional funding to expand the Support Team Assisted Response program. An Intergovernmental Agreement between Denver and Denver Health and Hospital Authority puts $526,610 toward five 2022 Ford Transit 150 cargo vans to support the expansion of the STAR program across the city. The expansion is expected to increase…
-
Denver safety committee hears details about potential jail alternative
—
by
During a multiagency public safety update Wednesday morning, Denver Executive Director of Public Safety Armando Saldate gave the City Council’s safety committee an overview of its goal to launch an Assessment Intake Diversion Center this summer. The AID Center, which would be located at 14th and Elati, is intended to be an alternative to jail…
-
Denver 911 struggles to balance increased call volume amid staffing shortages
—
by
Denver 911 saw its highest call volume in at least five years in 2021 amid severe staffing shortages. Police dispatchers in Denver are 71% staffed. For emergency communication technicians – the people actually answering the phone when someone calls 911 – Denver is 60% staffed. There are 13 technicians in training and when they graduate at…
-
‘A big step in the right direction’: Denver extends STAR alternative policing program citywide
—
by
Denver is expanding its Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program citywide, providing civilian-led emergency response to low-level, nonviolent situations as an alternative to police. The expansion comes after the City Council unanimously approved a nearly $1.4 million contract with Mental Health Center of Denver on Monday, funding the STAR program through the end of 2022.…
