Colorado Springs: A Growing Hub in Colorado’s Scenic Landscape

According to Wikipedia, Colorado Springs, located in east-central Colorado, serves as the county seat of El Paso County and is the most populous city within the county, boasting a population of 478,961 as of the 2020 census—a 15.02% increase since 2010 [1].

As the second-most populous city in Colorado and the largest by area, it ranks as the 40th-most populous city in the United States.

Colorado Springs is near the base of Pikes Peak, which rises 14,115 feet (4,302.31 m) above sea level on the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains. The city is the largest city north of Mexico above 6000 feet in elevation

The Impact of Gang Violence in Colorado Springs

According to SCLG, gang violence in Colorado Springs remains a persistent issue, contributing to several homicides annually. For instance, there were three gang-related homicides in both 2014 and 2015, two in 2016, and a rise to three again in 2017, alongside 15 attempted murder charges related to gang activity that year [2].

In 2012, Colorado Springs police reported 1,300 gang members from 97 different gangs, primarily in the southwest areas of the city. By 2018, this number had decreased to approximately 700 known gang members, including groups like the Crips, Bloods, South Side Surenos, and Nortenos.

According to law enforcement agencies, much of the violence is gang-on-gang. They pose more of a threat to each other than to the general public. Though bystander casualties remain a concern when rival gangs fight, especially during drive-by shootings and crossfires

To combat this issue, the Colorado Springs Police Department reestablished its Gang Unit in 2019 after a three-year hiatus. This unit, consisting of four detectives and a sergeant, focuses on gathering intelligence on gang activities and enhancing public safety by addressing gang-related crimes.

How to Avoid Gang Violence

It’s always wise to avoid venturing into unfamiliar areas at night, whether or not it’s known for gang activity.
If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts and report it to the authorities.
If a place doesn’t feel right, listen to your gut and leave immediately.

Also Read: Does Colorado Have a Make My Day Law?

Colorado Springs Organization Aims to Unite Local Gangs and Reduce Violence

According to Fox News, a national organization dedicated to fostering dialogue between local gangs has established a new headquarters in Colorado Springs. Known as Men of Influence, the group now operates out of a space donated by Citadel Mall, a location with a history of gang-related violence [3]. This move follows a December shooting at the mall, which prompted the mall to support the organization’s mission to improve safety in the area.

The Men of Influence have been active in Colorado Springs for nearly three years, focusing on reducing gang violence, particularly after several gun violence incidents near Memorial Park and the Citadel Mall. The Colorado Springs Police Department described the December shooting as a “targeted attack.”

Our goal is to make sure that the mall is safe, in collaboration with the other entities that will be coming in to help with that,” said DeAndre Smith, the founder of Colorado Springs Men of Influence

Beyond addressing gang violence, the organization also provides essential resources for women and children seeking a safer life. Their initiative, Women of Impact, offers housing, food, safety, clothing, and more to women, children, and seniors in need.

In June 2019, the Colorado Springs Police Department established a gang unit consisting of one sergeant and four detectives. This unit plays a crucial role in investigating and providing enforcement support to combat street gang activity in the city.

Colorado Crime Statistics

Over the past decade, Colorado’s crime rate has surged, making it one of the highest in the nation.
As of 2022, Colorado ranks 4th nationally for combined property and violent crime rates, based on FBI data.
This marks a significant increase from its 2012 ranking of 31st.
Both property and violent crime rates have been steadily climbing since the early 2010s, with a noticeable acceleration in the early 2020s.
Colorado now ranks 3rd in the nation for property crime rates and 8th for violent crime rates.

Source: Common Sense Institute [4]

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References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Springs,_Colorado
2. https://www.shouselaw.com/co/blog/colorado-springs-gang-violence-how-much-of-a-problem-is-it/
3. https://www.fox21news.com/news/preventing-gang-violence-in-colorado-springs/
4. https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/housing-and-our-community/november-crime-snapshot-crime-rates-in-colorado

Colorado Springs Gang Violence: How Serious is the Problem?