Senate Passes Buckner, Hinrichsen’s Safer Streets Act to Improve Public Safety

SB22-001 will help local governments utilize $10.3 million to make critical, evidence-based improvements that will cut down on crime

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today gave final bipartisan approval to the Safer Streets Act, an evidence-based approach to help local governments make critical improvements that will cut down on crime and improve public safety in Colorado.

The bill – sponsored by Sens. Janet Buckner (D-Aurora) and Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo) – creates a $10.3 million grant program that will help local governments make critical upgrades to neighborhoods such as better lighting to increase visibility and improved design of the built physical environment that will prevent crime and create safer communities.

“Every Coloradan deserves to feel safe, but right now too many of our neighbors don’t have that luxury, and we are taking action to address it,” Buckner said. “The Safer Streets Act is an important, evidence-based bill that will help communities across our state implement data-driven solutions to prevent crime. I’m proud to be pushing this critical legislation, and I’ll continue fighting to create a safer Colorado for us all.”

“Tackling crime is one of my top priorities, and I am proud to be sponsoring the Safer Streets Act to improve public safety in Colorado,” Hinrichsen said. “I’ve seen firsthand how important good lighting and well-maintained public spaces can be, and the data shows that these strategies not only reduce crime, they also improve civic pride and quality of life for everyone. I’m excited to move this bill forward, and am eager to get it signed into law.”

“SB 1 is an important investment in public safety that will allow localities to implement strategic physical upgrades that are proven to reduce crime and increase public safety,” said Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown. “I support this effort and I'm eager for my county to be able to participate in this important grant program that will help to deter occurrences of violent crime and property crime."

SB22-001 will let local governments – as well as community non-profit organizations partnering with local governments – apply for grants that make physical improvements to the built environment that increase visibility, direct foot traffic, and improve aesthetics through graffiti and trash removal.

The bill utilizes Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, an effective tool in reducing crime. Research and case studies have proven that the proper, safe design of the physical environment can result in a lower incidence of crime, increased safety, and an overall increase in quality of life.

SB22-001 is one of many ways Colorado Senate Democrats are working to improve public safety in Colorado, including Buckner's bipartisan Community Safety Investment Act, cosponsored by Sen. John Cooke, (R-Greeley) to improve safety and address recruitment, retention, and training concerns in law enforcement agencies across the state.

The Safer Streets Act now moves to the House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.