Updates from May 1st Security Briefing with Commander Sanchez, Denver Police Department District 6

May 1, 2020

Commander Aaron Sanchez, Denver Police Department (DPD) District 6, joined the Downtown Denver Partnership on May 1, 2020 to speak with our members about updated procedures and protocols the Denver Police Department (DPD) has implemented in relation to the spread of COVID-19. See the presentation from the briefing here. 

Some key points from the webinar include:

  • DPD has been responding to COVID-19 for over 4 weeks. This time has been a learning curve, and every week the DPD analyzes statistics to determine adjustments that can be made to how resources are allocated.
  • DPD is continuing to deploy HVPs, stationary patrols, and mobile patrols.
  • In past weeks, many detectives who experienced slower work schedules helped to DPD cover other bases.
  • Additionally, the DPD has added No Visibility Patrols (NVPs), which are covert officers who are able to monitor areas that are experiencing higher crime rates. 
  • Crime rates have dropped as these new protocols are implemented to deter crime.
  • The facility at the National Western Convention Center is at capacity, and vulnerable populations remain in areas of downtown.
  • The past couple days, DPD has helped the Department of Transportation (DOTI) clean some of these areas near the block of California and Stout. 5,800 pounds of trash were gathered in 2 ½ blocks.
  • DPD has created the first virtual Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Site Audit (CPTED). Click here to see more.
  • Sign up for security watch updates from DPD here.
  • DPD advises business owners to put signs out, and work with groups like neighborhood watches to build stronger collective enforcement.
  • As businesses reopen, DPD advises employees dealing with issues related to social distancing or proper PPE to try to educate and advise. In the case of aggressive or hostile responses, call 911.
  • Traffic enforcement is being increased, and data shows that with fewer cars on the road, people are driving faster. 
  • As the city prepares to reopen, DPD is preparing for more calls for service, and will continue to reintegrate officers who are working from home, as well as gathering data to adjust working action plans.

Beth Moyski, Vice President of Special Districts for the Downtown Denver Partnership, concluded the briefing with a presentation on the Business Improvement District (BID) Private Security COVID-19 Plan. Key takeaways from her presentation include:

  • For any security questions, BID members may call 303-704-5369.
  • 61% of individuals in the webinar have noticed an increased presence of the BID clean team over past weeks.
  • Graffiti removal teams are still active. Private properties can reach out to Vince Martinez at vmartinez@downtowndenver.com for more information, or to sign up for safety and maintenance alerts.
  • BID Clean and Security teams are continuing to act as ambassadors in public outreach. These teams have gone door-to-door to check on business owners, and are continuing to help connect vulnerable communities to resources.
  • BID teams remain vigilant in practicing health and safety precautions in regards to PPE and social distancing.
  • The BID overnight clean team has been shifted to working in the daytime to actively disinfect surfaces.
  • The complimentary pressure-washing schedule for the BID is coming together now, and more information will be available soon. Growing season services are also in progress.
  • The Geo-tagging system used by the BID teams has been upgraded to work more quickly and efficiently.

Join us for next week’s safety briefing with Commander Sanchez on April 22 at 9:00 AM. Click here to register.

*How to protect your property during this time

  • Ensure the business is well-lit and eliminate places for criminals to hide near the building.
  • Lock all doors and windows when closed or away from the business. Install double cylinder deadbolts where possible, securing all points of entry, such as gates, fences, roof access, etc.
  • Remove cash from registers and leave the register open at the close of business and secure valuables or merchandise out of sight when closed.
  • Post signs outside your business letting criminals know there isn’t money in the register or safe, and keep track of inventory by marking items or logging serial numbers.
  • Remove any valuables or inventory away from windows.
  • If you are able, increase private security patrols around your facility.
  • Start or join a Business Watch Program to build relationships with neighboring business owners.
  • Install an alarm or surveillance system.
  • Contact your local Denver Police District for a business safety assessment