Mayor Mike Johnston has announced a new plan to increase safety in downtown Denver, where concerns about crime have shaken public confidence and hurt local businesses.
A dedicated 10-officer unit will now patrol downtown on foot, with additional officers on bike, and motorcycle. The city will also bring back horse-mounted patrols and install a police kiosk on the 16th Street Mall.
In addition to boosted police presence, the city center will benefit from bike paramedics, mental health and addiction experts, and five extra private security officers.
The changes coincide with Coors Field’s opening day today and 16th Street Mall’s partial reopening next month. While violent crime is trending down, Police Chief Ron Thomas cited a “significant spike” in early 2025 that underscored the need for action.
