At the foot of the purple mountain’s majesty of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is in one of the most beautiful settings in the United States. “The Springs”, as it is commonly known, is a community where safety and quality of life are prioritized. As a criminal defense lawyer, and former District Attorney, practicing in El Paso County for the past 20 years, I have a unique understanding of the local legal landscape and the overall safety of our community.
If you are a regular reader of my blog, you might think it’s high crime all the time in the Springs. And yes, it is true that Colorado Springs has a lot of big city problems, but it also has a lot of the benefits of small-town life. My children were born here in the Springs, and I’ve found the Springs to be an ideal place to raise my family. While my profession might expose me to the more challenging aspects of an urban area, it also provides me with some insight of how law enforcement and the community interact. Colorado Springs often makes Top Ten lists for best places to live in the United States. US News has us at #3 in their latest ranking.
With breathtaking scenery and relatively affordable Colorado Springs real estate, Colorado Springs is one of the best places to live in America.
Understanding the Crime Statistics
When evaluating the safety of a city, one of the most straightforward metrics to look at is the crime rate. According to recent statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Colorado Springs has seen a rise in some specific crime statistics, but it’s important to contextualize these numbers. In 2021, the crime rate was notably higher than in some previous years, which mirrors a national trend that could be attributed to various socio-economic stressors. Keep in mind, Colorado Springs is currently just under half a million residents at 486,248. While the metro area is about 750,000 people. The U.S. Census bureau in 2022 ranked the Springs as the 39th largest City in the United States. That is bigger than the population of the city-proper of Miami, Oakland, Minneapolis, St Louis, and New Orleans.
| City | Murder (per 100K) | Violent Crime rate (per 100K) |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 16.24 | 7328 |
| Minneapolis | 10.02 | 5768 |
| New Orleans | 39.5 | 5375 |
| Miami | 11.23 | 4750 |
| St Louis | 66.07 | 8188 |
| Colorado Springs | 6.13 | 3765 |
However, when we look deeper into the statistics, the majority of crimes in Colorado Springs are property crimes, rather than violent crimes. Violent crimes include; murder/manslaughter, assault, robbery and sex crimes.
The rate of violent crimes remains considerably lower than many other cities of comparable size in the United States. This distinction highlights that, while no city is free from crime, the general nature of crime in Colorado Springs does not generally pose a direct threat to the physical safety of its residents.
Now, I know that Colorado Springs hates to be compared to Denver, but as the two biggest cities in Colorado, it is often helpful to look at the statistics. According to the 2022 census, Denver had about 713,000 residents, or about 50% bigger than the Springs. According to the 2019 FBI UCR:
Violent Crimes:
Denver-5,459
Colorado Springs-2,806.
Property Crimes:
Denver-27,288
Colorado Springs-17,587
The rate of violent crimes in Denver, although only about 50% bigger than the Springs, had almost exactly double the violent crime rate. The property crime rates, however, are very similar per capita.
Proactive Law Enforcement and Community Engagement
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing crime and enhancing the safety of the community. One example is the HOT team (Homeless Outreach Team) which is a specialized patrol that works with the unhoused community in Colorado Springs.
Increased use of technology like body cameras, has increased transparency and built trust between the police and the community. As defense counsel, I have found the use of body cameras to very helpful in preparing and presenting my cases at trial. They also prevent a lot of “he said/she said” when recollections on events inevitably diverge. I also believe that bodycams serve as a solid reminder, to law enforcement and the accused alike, to promote civility and professionalism.
Legal System and Criminal Defense Perspective
As a former DA and a defense attorney, I have been able to get a first-hand perspective at how the justice system works in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. I can tell you that the number of criminal filings in El Paso County are #1 or #2 in Colorado every year. This is likely because Denver is split into several judicial districts, thereby spreading out the number of cases over several jurisdictions.
Furthermore, as a Colorado Springs defense attorney, I believe a greater focus on programs that focus on rehabilitation over punishment are not only good for the offender, but also the community. These programs not only help in reducing recidivism but also supports the idea of giving people opportunities to better their situation. One major concern that many in the Colorado Springs defense bar share is the lack of a work release program. During COVID the EPSO did away with the work release program citing budgetary and safety concerns. From my conversations and experience, the availability of a work release program is something that many in the DA’s office, the judiciary and defense counsel would support. In-home detention (IHD), also called Electronic Home Monitoring, has become more common since the dissolution of the work release program.
However, IHD isn’t always a legal sentence in certain cases. A good example is for a second DUI conviction within 5 years. In these situations, a DUI offender is unable to work during their sentence and may ultimately lose their job.
Quality of Life and Environmental Safety
Beyond crime rates and law enforcement, the quality of life in Colorado Springs is among the best in the country. The city offers nearby outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking, parks, and nature preserves. The city is also committed to environmental safety, with initiatives aimed at preserving the natural beauty and resources of the area. This commitment promotes a high standard of living and a healthy, active lifestyle.
Conclusion
While Colorado Springs has its share of big city issues, it remains a safe community in comparison to many other cities of similar size. The efforts of law enforcement, the legal community, and the involvement of its residents continue to make it a safe and desirable place to live. From the perspective of a criminal defense attorney, Colorado Springs certainly presents a blend of challenges, but its forward-thinking approach to crime prevention and community wellness stands out as a model for urban safety.