Police Chief Steve Redford told the Downtown Management Commission on Oct. 28 that most crime categories in the downtown area are down year to date, while acknowledging continuing quality‑of‑life issues and the need for more treatment resources.

Redford said the city is “down citywide 48% in robbery,” and reported declines of 24% in aggravated assault, 40% in arson and a 24% reduction in burglaries in parts of the downtown area. He cautioned that a small reported increase in robberies in the mall area reflected “shoplifts turned bad,” where confrontations during thefts can be classified as robberies under legal definitions.

The chief credited much of the improvement to proactive policing efforts: ‘‘We have had 3,000 more proactive police contacts this year than last year so far,’’ Redford said, referring to traffic stops, pedestrian contacts and foot patrols. He added those contacts have not led to an increase in use‑of‑force incidents.

Redford and a commander on the mall team described stepped‑up enforcement for upcoming events. Staff said they will deploy additional officers, foot patrols, bike and e‑bike patrols, and specialized resources — including SWAT, negotiators and drone support — for Halloween and the homecoming football game. Commander Mike (named in the transcript as Mike Keith / Mike Heath) said the department expects “well over 60 officers working on Halloween” and described temporary barricading in high‑risk blocks as a deterrent used last year.

Commissioners asked how the data compare to prior years and whether staffing was the primary driver. Redford said the mall team was fully staffed this year for the first time and that staffing allowed officers to be “more proactive” rather than solely reactive to calls for service.

The chief also discussed a new Boulder County alternative‑sentencing facility and its potential effects on city policing. He said county halfway houses and alternative‑sentencing programs are consolidating at the new facility and that police will handle incidents occurring at that county site.

Commissioners and police agreed that downtown quality‑of‑life issues — including public defecation, vandalism and substance‑related disorder — reflect broader gaps in treatment and social services and cannot be solved by policing alone. Redford urged continued coordination with the city and community as those service systems evolve.

The commission heard the presentation and asked follow‑up questions; no formal policy action resulted at the meeting.