NEW: 2023 Matching Safety Grant Program

The Colfax Ave BID is offering matching grants of up to $5,000 to business and property owners within the CBID area to be expended in 2023. Funds can be used as a reimbursement of safety improvements already made in the 2023 calendar year, or upcoming expenses for improvements that will be incurred in 2023. All improvements must be permanent (no events or hiring staff, etc)

The Colfax Ave BID works very closely with the police and community on both long- and short-term strategies to improve safety on Colfax. The criminal activity, alcohol/drug abuse, and mental illness that converge on Colfax require different approaches for each condition. Our Safety Program works to untangle these distinct challenges.

 

Learn more about our Safety efforts and access resources on this page. We also provide a way for you to share information and ideas regarding safety along the corridor. Your help and input is always welcome. Click any of the headlines below to jump to the desired content.

Share your thoughts

What are you experiencing?

Where/When do you feel safe – why?

Where/When do you feel unsafe or uncomfortable – why?


Help us address your concerns with this 4 question form.

Designing Safer Environments

 

Designing the interior and exterior of the property can prevent crime as much as any tactic. Good visibility and lighting are key design principles, but not the only ones. The BID instituted a safety grant program in 2019. Matching and gap funds are to be used in the manner determined in collaboration with the business/property owner and urban planners provided by the BID.

The 24-hour Block


When the life on the street is active and vibrant, it creates an inhospitable environment for criminals who like to operate out-of-sight. The more that the street-life can bustle with good activity, the more we can discourage crime. One way to accomplish this is with the right mix of businesses that provide diverse services to the community throughout the day. Learn more in our blog about safety and the “24-hour Block”. 

Non-crimes: Homelessness & Mental Illness

While people experiencing or emerging from homelessness and mental illness are not criminals, they are very often the
prey of criminals who take advantage of them. Our efforts to address these issues do not include “criminalizing” people, rather we work to provide support and opportunities for them to get to a place of stability and independent living. 

 

  • For homelessness, we employ two strategies. Our Colfax Works program employs people emerging from homelessness and incarceration through a work-first model working daily to maintain a clean environment on Colfax. We also advocate for more workforce and affordable housing so people have a safe and secure place to live independently. 
  • For mental health issues, in addition to working closely with local social service providers, our Executive Director was appointed to the Caring For Denver Foundation board of directors that allocates over $30 million annually starting in 2020 for programs that provide help to those experiencing mental illness.

No Trespass Agreements

 

When your place of business is open, you and your staff are responsible for instructing people to leave if they are trespassing. When you’re closed, the Denver Police can enforce No Trespassing laws, but only if they have a signed agreement from you in order to enforce. Download the 2022 form, submit to Denver Police District 6, and contact the BID to get a legally-worded No Trespassing sign to place at your business. The trespass agreement forms need to be renewed each year.

Business & Neighborhood Watch

 

The familiar phrase “eyes on the street” is part of a good “Watch” program. The BID is working with District 6 Police to establish Business/Neighborhood Watch along certain blocks of Colfax. If you are interested in creating or participating in a Watch program for your block(s), contact the BID.  

Who to call

STAR

The Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program deploys Emergency Response Teams that include Emergency Medical Technicians and Behavioral Health Clinicians to engage individuals experiencing crises related to mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse.

To request support from the STAR team, please call 9-1-1 if in Denver, or call the Denver Police Department’s non-emergency line at 720-913-2000 and an operator will dispatch the most appropriate, available response.
911

Only call 911 for the following reasons:


  • To stop a crime
  • To report a fire
  • To save a life
Non-emergency line

Call (720) 913-2000 to report the following:


  • Any crime to a person not life-threatening
  • Burglary to a home not in progress
  • Auto theft not in progress
  • Parking complaints
  • Loud music complaints