Adams County, located in Colorado, is one of the 64 counties in the state, covering an area of 1,184 square miles with a population of approximately 519,572 people. It is a part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area, encompassing various cities, towns, and unincorporated communities.
Despite its diverse landscape, Adams County faces a notable challenge with a higher incidence of violent crime, including murder, non-consensual sex offenses, aggravated assault, and robbery.
As reported by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the year 2017 witnessed 606 cases of violent crimes, comprising 7 murders, 164 rapes, 80 robberies, and 355 aggravated assaults.
The county’s violent crime rate stood at 41.60 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the average for a typical U.S. county. Utilizing data from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, we can pinpoint the five neighborhoods within Adams County identified as the most perilous, where the risk of falling victim to violent crime is notably elevated. These neighborhoods are:
Neighborhood | Population | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
East Colfax | 17,000 | 95.88 |
Commerce City | 58,000 | 64 |
Thornton | 141,000 | 43 |
Federal Heights | 13,000 | 42 |
Berkley | 11,000 | 36 |
- East Colfax:Â This community can be found along Colfax Avenue in the county’s eastern region. There are roughly 17,000 people living there, and there are 95.88 violent crimes for per 1,000 individuals.
- Commerce City:Â This town is located in the southern region of the county, close to Denver International Airport. It boasts a population of approximately 58,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 63.79 incidents per 1,000 people.
- Thornton:Â This town is situated in the northern region of the county, adjacent to Interstate 25. It boasts a population of approximately 141,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 42.55 per 1,000 people.
- Federal Heights: This town is located in the western region of the county, close to Westminster City Park. It boasts a population of approximately 13,000 residents and experiences a violent crime rate of 41.54 per 1,000 people.
- Berkley: This community is situated in the southwestern region of the county, adjacent to Sheridan Boulevard. It boasts a population of approximately 11,000 residents and experiences a violent crime rate of 36.36 per 1,000 people.
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Officials’ Initiatives to Fight Crime
Efforts are underway by officials in Adams County, Colorado, to address crime.
Notably, President Biden introduced the Safer America Plan in 2022, allocating around $35 billion to support law enforcement and crime prevention. This initiative involves funding for an additional 100,000 police officers, the enforcement of gun laws, and the expansion of community violence interventions.
In 2022, Monica Broncucia-Jordan secured her third term as the Adams County Coroner. In her role, she investigates and determines the cause and manner of death for cases falling within the coroner’s jurisdiction, including homicides, suicides, accidents, and suspicious deaths.
Furthermore, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) contributes to crime reduction in Adams County by offering grants and technical assistance to local agencies.
They implement the Comprehensive Gang Model, a holistic approach addressing the root causes and risk factors of gang involvement, thereby preventing and reducing gang violence.
These instances exemplify the ongoing efforts of officials to enhance safety and diminish crime in Adams County.
To Conclude
Adams County, Colorado, is facing a higher-than-average violent crime rate, necessitating a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. Despite the concerning statistics, especially in neighborhoods like East Colfax and Commerce City, there is a glimmer of hope arising from the ongoing efforts of various stakeholders.
Government initiatives such as the Safer America Plan, which focuses on strengthening law enforcement and community interventions, provide crucial resources for addressing the root causes of crime.
Local leadership, exemplified by Coroner Broncucia-Jordan’s commitment to thorough investigations, plays a vital role in understanding and addressing the complexities of violent incidents.
Additionally, programs like the Comprehensive Gang Model, implemented by the OJJDP, hold significant potential in preventing future crimes by addressing the underlying socioeconomic factors contributing to gang involvement.
These initiatives, combined with community engagement and a dedication to social justice, pave the way for a safer and more vibrant Adams County.
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