By Mayor Bud Starker | Wheat Ridge Neighborhood Gazette
Wheat Ridge has seen a significant drop in crime rates, returning to levels last observed before the pandemic. The Wheat Ridge Police Department reports a 26% overall decrease in crime since 2021, marking a substantial improvement from the spike experienced during the pandemic.
A major factor in this reduction is the department’s success in recruiting high-quality candidates, even as law enforcement agencies nationwide struggle with recruitment and retention. After staffing levels dipped in 2021, WRPD is on track to add a dozen officers this year. Seven rookies graduated from the academy last December and completed over three months of field training before beginning independent patrols. Additionally, five more recruits are currently testing at the Joint Regional Academy in Lakewood and are expected to graduate this summer.
READ THE FULL STORY AT THE WHEAT RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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