Public Safety Summit brings community leaders, State legislators together to work collectively to address increase in juvenile crime

The City of Colorado Springs today held a public safety summit with City and community leaders, along with state legislators, to discuss how to address the increase of violent crimes by juveniles, including smash-and-grabs.

At the roundtable event, participants discussed how increased juvenile crime in Colorado Springs is having a negative impact for residents and local businesses, and what possible solutions could help address the issue. This included legislative changes to update State laws, additional resources for community groups that work with at-risk youth and community-wide support to help address societal factors, including economic opportunities.

"This summit is not just about identifying problems-it's about finding actionable paths forward. Together, we can craft policies and initiatives that uphold justice, foster trust in our institutions, and prioritize the safety of every resident," said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. "I am grateful to our state legislators, local officials, community leaders and public safety leaders for joining us today as we come together to address one of the most critical responsibilities we share: the safety and well-being of our community."

"Innocent citizens in our community have been victimized by violent crimes, which is indicative of the negative impact inflicted by criminal reform attempts at the state level," said 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen. "That is eroding our ability to hold juveniles - specifically that age group - accountable. It's going to take all of us working together, not just law enforcement, but community leaders, faith leaders, school districts and families, to take action and effect positive change."

Since 2021, the Colorado Springs Police Department reports a 59% increase in juveniles suspected of violent crimes in Colorado Springs. That's compared to a 10% increase in violent crime overall. There has also been a 49% increase since 2021 in the number of juvenile suspects in possession of a firearm during these crimes in Colorado Springs. Across Colorado, since 2010, juvenile crime rates have decreased overall but have increased for crimes against person: murder (210%), aggravated assault (17%), and robbery (12.3%).

In 2024, there have been 43 smash-and-grabs in Colorado Springs, where a store was broken into and items were stolen. A vehicle was used to smash into the building in 41 of those cases. While many of these cases are still under investigation, the Colorado Springs Police Department believes most of these smash-and-grabs have been committed by juveniles.

The non-partisan think tank Common Sense Institute, in its "The Cost of Juvenile Crime and its Economic Impact on Colorado" reportfrom February 2024, estimates that juvenile crime costs residents in the state of Colorado more than $3 billion annually. According to the report, for every 1% decrease in the number of crimes committed by juveniles, the state adds 57 jobs and $6.5 million to GDP. The report notes that "Current policy, despite its intentions to create a more humane criminal justice system, has instead adversely affected the quality of life enjoyed by the state's law-abiding majority."

The Public Safety Summit is an initial step to bring community members together, and the City plans to continue to engage local and state stakeholders over the next several months to help address public safety concerns and fund a shared understanding for solutions.