Denver creates new office of neighbourhood safety

Innovation and creative ideas will be key features of Denver’s newly created office to deal with neighbourhood safety (ONS) to help further prioritise community engagement.

The office will include the city’s youth programmes, the Office of Community Violence Solutions, The AID Center, and STAR 911 operations.

By reallocating resources and programmes from the Department of Public Safety to the Office of Social Equity and Implementation, which will house the ONS, Denver says it will increase its commitment to prioritising equity and racial and social justice throughout its public safety programmes.

“Some of the best ideas come from community members with lived experience, and we’re excited to connect with community, hear their ideas, and deliver the best results for the city,” a spokesperson told Cities Today.

The mayor and city council appointed Community Advisory Board (CAB) will play an influential role in shaping the office’s strategies and initiatives.

Denver is far from the first city to establish an ONS. The first ONS was established by Richmond, California in 2007 and since then other cities including New York City, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Washington DC have also created offices of neighbourhood safety. Durham, North Carolina has an Office of Community Safety that has a mission similar to ONS in other cities.

“In establishing Denver’s ONS we have reviewed best practices from all of these cities and are proactively working to schedule meetings with leaders from these and other such offices across the country,” the spokesperson added. “Additionally, we have reviewed studies including but not limited to the Center for American Progress’ 2020 report on various offices of neighbourhood safety, and the University of Colorado Denver’s 2023 Feasibility Study.”

The new office will include a shift in allocation of resources, including approximately 65 full-time employees and US$11 million.

“We recognise that law enforcement may not be the answer to every problem,” said Armando Saldate, Executive Director, Department of Public Safety. “Through the new office and collaboration with the Office of Social Equity and Implementation, we aim to address the concerns we often hear from communities and increase community involvement in safety initiatives.”

Image: Miroslav Liska | Dreamstime.com