Crime
We moved Boulder Crime News and police blotter out of News and made it a primary category. Even though crime news is the highest in analytic s some readers complain because it ruins non violent news. Our readers and viewers prefer science, tech environmental and entertainment news. So crime news junkies now have your own bad news section here.
Dan Caruso drops hammer on Boulders housing policies, Cities failure to address crime.
Oct 4th
Dan Caruso drops hammer on Boulders housing policies, Cities failure to address crime. In Boulder Caruso said today: ” Since 2020, serious crimes—“crimes against society” and “crimes against persons”—have risen significantly. Safety is not a side issue; it is the foundation on which everything else depends. ”
Caruso also said in his newsletter: “The City’s strained budget is directly tied to its failure to keep Boulder safe, secure, and clean. Half-empty business parks east of 28th Street and vacant storefronts on Pearl Street are lost opportunities. When good businesses stay away and working families can’t afford to live here, Boulder forfeits not only tax revenue but also the vitality that comes from a strong cluster of local employers.
Boulder’s culture and economy both suffer. Council’s housing policies make matters worse. Instead of enabling new housing for working families, bureaucracy delays projects, adds costs, and drives up prices. The result is a vicious cycle: fewer businesses and residents, more vacancies, declining revenues, and an even weaker ability to maintain safety and services. ” Caruso went on to tell this story cited in local news: “An owner of a 32 year downtown local restaurant echoed this frustration in an email to City Council: Yesterday at 5 PM, I biked through Central Park, past the Farmers Market, and by Penfield Tate/City Council Chambers.
What I encountered was deeply concerning. In addition to the presence of drug add
icts sprawled throughout the park, the area was covered in dirty laundry, feces, vomit, and urine. This is not just a matter of homelessness; it is a matter of neglect and public safety. This is unacceptable, especially considering the recent opening of a $150 million hotel downtown.
Visitors walking past this filth will be deterred from returning. Boulder has the resources and the responsibility to do better. Our parks and public spaces deserve consistent, professional maintenance to ensure safety and dignity for all residents and visitors. “
Boulder Channel 1 News Briefs: Redford Trump D.A. Scott
Sep 17th
1. DA Probes Social Media’s Role in Kirk Assassination
Boulder’s District Attorney is investigating social media algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, probing their role in radicalizing youth toward violence. The investigation follows the assassination of conservative campus speaker Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week by suspect Tyler Robinson, deemed “terminally online.”
Authorities linked Robinson’s radicalization to Discord and online echo chambers, recovering a high-powered rifle. The DA aims to subpoena platform data to trace influence paths, sparking debates on tech accountability. Over 30 educators were fired for celebratory posts. Community leaders urge Boulder youth to report toxic content, emphasizing digital literacy amid rising political tensions.
Boulder’s District Attorney is investigating social media algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, probing their role in radicalizing youth toward violence. The investigation follows the assassination of conservative campus speaker Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week by suspect Tyler Robinson, deemed “terminally online.”
Authorities linked Robinson’s radicalization to Discord and online echo chambers, recovering a high-powered rifle. The DA aims to subpoena platform data to trace influence paths, sparking debates on tech accountability. Over 30 educators were fired for celebratory posts. Community leaders urge Boulder youth to report toxic content, emphasizing digital literacy amid rising political tensions. 2. Jann Scott Shares Redford Letter on Homeless Doc
Local filmmaker Jann Scott revealed a heartfelt letter from the late Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, praising Scott’s 1990s award-winning documentary about a Boulder homeless man.
Redford called it a “quiet masterpiece” capturing humanity’s struggles. 
Scott said the note rekindled memories of Boulder’s compassionate spirit. “Bob saw the soul in the story,” Scott shared. The doc, highlighting life on Pearl Street, won regional acclaim. With Redford’s Boulder ties—from CU to Sundance—Scott plans screenings to honor him. Fans celebrate the Hollywood-local connection.
Local filmmaker Jann Scott revealed a heartfelt letter from the late Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, praising Scott’s 1990s award-winning documentary about a Boulder homeless man.
Redford called it a “quiet masterpiece” capturing humanity’s struggles. Scott said the note rekindled memories of Boulder’s compassionate spirit. “Bob saw the soul in the story,” Scott shared. The doc, highlighting life on Pearl Street, won regional acclaim. With Redford’s Boulder ties—from CU to Sundance—Scott plans screenings to honor him. Fans celebrate the Hollywood-local connection. 3. Boulder’s Brits Buzz Over Trump’s Windsor Visit
Boulder’s British expat community, over 5,000 strong, is thrilled as President Trump visits Windsor Castle today for his second UK state visit, hosted by King Charles III. Local Brits, gathered at the British-American Society, cheered the Red Arrows flypast and royal banquets.
“Pure pageantry!” said Emma Hargrove, a CU lecturer. Boulder Channel 1’s editor, Jann Scott, a former International Times reporter in England, fondly recalls UK days. Despite London protests, Boulder Brits focus on diplomacy, hosting watch parties.
“Pure pageantry!” said Emma Hargrove, a CU lecturer. Boulder Channel 1’s editor, Jann Scott, a former International Times reporter in England, fondly recalls UK days. Despite London protests, Boulder Brits focus on diplomacy, hosting watch parties. 
Boulder’s Police Pay Woes Persist Amid Rising Crime
Sep 3rd
Boulder Sept 3, 2025 The City of Boulder and the Boulder Police Officers Association (BPOA) finalized a new contract for 180 officers and sergeants, ratified with a modest 4.75% salary increase for 2026.
Non-economic terms, settled in June, will also be included. City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde hailed the agreement as a testament to mutual commitment to public safety,
Non-economic terms, settled in June, will also be included. City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde hailed the agreement as a testament to mutual commitment to public safety,
Signature:
emphasizing proactive community policing. However, the deal fails to address Boulder’s chronic underpayment of its police force, leaving the department 20 officers short. BPOA President Officer Bryan Plyter acknowledged the preserved healthcare protections but noted the salary bump falls below the independent arbitrator’s recommendation. Despite the raise, officers’ pay lags behind regional standards, fueling retention and recruitment struggles.
The compromise—between the city’s 4% and the union’s 6% offer—reflects Boulder’s projected $7.5 million 2026 budget deficit, balancing economic pressures with fiscal constraints. Rivera-Vandermyde recognized inflation’s toll on employees, expressing hope for future raises as finances improve. Yet, the shortfall in competitive pay continues to hamstring the department. With 20 vacant positions, response times lag, and crime rates climb. Boulder’s streets see criminals roaming freely, emboldened by an understaffed force stretched thin.
The city’s focus on fiscal caution overlooks the urgent need for robust public safety investment. The agreement averts a ballot measure, ensuring stability but not satisfaction. Boulder’s police remain underpaid, understaffed, and overwhelmed, as the city grapples with rising crime and a strained budget. Plyter vowed to keep pushing for fair compensation, but for now, officers face mounting challenges with inadequate support, leaving the community vulnerable. The contract, while a step, falls short of addressing the deeper crisis threatening Boulder’s safety.
