Public safety board eyes uptick in Commerce City crime

A panel of law enforcement personnel and Commerce City citizens is hopeful a concerted effort to ramp up community involvement may quell a recent uptick in crime. 

The Citizens Public Safety Advisory Board, appointed by the City Council, was commissioned, as noted on City Hall’s website, to “work in collaboration with the chief of police to provide perspective, insight and recommendations for the improvement of public safety services.”

That input was welcomed Thursday at the board’s monthly meeting, where members of law enforcement who participated said the city had gotten off to a rough start for the new year in January. They noted a jump in more serious crimes, and one observed the “criminal element has become more emboldened, and not afraid of us.”

The board discussion centered on strategies and methods to form a stronger partnership between law enforcement and communities. 

A series of educational and fun events to engage residents are in the planning stages.

The events will look to HOAs, faith-based partnerships and other community groups for help with implementation.

Private citizen and panel member Tracee Perkins said she wants to make sure such events encompass the entire city and not just the north or south sides. 

“We can’t represent all of Commerce City if we’re stuck in one side or the other,” said Perkins. It needs to be “citywide,” to be effective, she said. 

Roxanne Nice, also a citizen member, added that it is imperative to be “more intentional about engaging people.” 

Nice was instrumental in creating a survey for citizens that will do just that.

Law enforcement members noted that there has been a noticeable lack of public engagement in recent years and that re-engaging citizens would “absolutely” have a correlation with reducing crime. Everyone agreed and appeared ready to continue working together.

Newly elected panel Chair Dave Bierwiler said he’s feeling optimistic and ready. 

“We’ve been getting into some real meat of what we’ve been wanting to do,” Bierwiler said.

Meanwhile, there are four vacancies on the board that are waiting to be filled. Interested citizens may apply by contacting Kiana Jodell at kjodell@c3gov.com.