Mayor Michael Hancock reports that the city has spent ample money and time on patrolling the park. In addition to local police, the park utilizes 14 surveillance cameras, according to ABC News 7. The plan is to put more of the city's 2014 budget toward further safeguards.
Authorities want to weed out those engaging in illegal activity in the park. To do so, government officials are offering several ideas. The following activities are proposed or planned courses of action for the Civic Center:
- Playing classical music.
- Adding free Wi-Fi.
- Movie nights.
- Food truck banquets.
- Exercise programs.
The mayor's spokesperson notes that the aforementioned activities, if implemented, may help deter violence. However, the 2014 costs associated with such proposals have not been calculated, and they may prove to be hefty.
ABC 7 News indicates that Parks and Recreation has contributed at least $15 million toward revitalizing the park in an effort to reduce crime over the past three years. While ample money has been spent on curbing violence and other illegal activities, Councilwoman Jeanne Robb indicates that arrests for the for the first quarter of 2013 have ironically increased in the Civic Center by 515 percent in comparison to the same period in 2012.
Ultimately, some question whether increased patrols, watchdogs and cameras will do the trick. Plenty of financial support has been allocated to reducing crime in the park; however, the crime remains the same or worse. In fact, a shooting took place just outside the park in early August 2013 during lunchtime, which panicked nearby visitors, including schoolchildren. Moreover, months before this incident, a shooting during a marijuana rally left two Coloradans severely injured in April 2013.
As one can see, criminal activity has not been deterred with increased finances and patrolling. As a result, authorities will need to make practical efforts to reduce crime in the area. Until then, be warned that law enforcement will stop at nothing to curb any "suspicious activity" in the park. As public awareness continues regarding violence and other crimes at the Civic Center, officers will probably be extra sensitive in suspecting or reporting alleged crime.
If you have been arrested for a crime in Colorado, take the time to meet with a qualified criminal defense attorney. Authorities will stop at nothing to limit crime in the city. Moreover, prosecutors will aggressively pursue any potential suspects. To learn more about your rights and responsibilities, contact a legal professional with experience in protecting suspects.
