Denver Police Department

THROWBACK THURSDAY: SPECIAL OFFICERS

Over 100 years ago, the Denver Police Department employed part-time officers. Also known as "Specials," these officers wore smaller versions of the badges worn by full-time officers, and today's throwback is an exceptionally rare photograph of a part-time officer wearing one of those smaller badges. Taken between 1918 and 1920, the officer is wearing a regulation uniform, standard hat badge, and department-issued gilded DPD buttons. There would be up to several hundred of these "Specials" working across the city to augment law and order in the days before motorized patrols. These officers were commissioned cops who made between 40% and 90% of full-time cops, and some were paid directly by merchants or venues, and some got no compensation at all. Six part-time officers were killed in the line of duty, and their service and sacrifice is recognized on our Fallen Officers Memorial.

The second photo is an example of the badges worn by officers from 1915 to 1925. The larger version was worn by full-time officers, while the smaller one was worn by part-time officers, and this version of the badge was used until just after WWII.

SECURE YOUR FI****MS: ITS THE LAW

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, Denver Police District 5 officers responded to an address on E. 42nd Avenue on a report of a theft from motor vehicle. When the officers arrived on scene, the victim explained that he left his firearm in a backpack inside his vehicle while it was parked outside. Later in the day, he realized that his firearm was missing from his backpack. While officers actively investigate these incidents, gun owners are reminded to take steps to prevent similar crimes by properly securing their fi****ms.

This is not only crucial to protecting our community, but a new Colorado law is now in effect: Fi****ms must be safely stored in unattended vehicles. House Bill 24-1348 (effective Jan. 1, 2025) prohibits knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the handgun is stored in a locked, hard-sided container that is not left in plain view or is in the locked trunk of a vehicle.

🛑OVERVIEW:
🔐Handguns must be in a locked, hard-sided container out of sight or in the locked trunk.
🔐Other fi****ms must be in a locked container (hard- or soft-sided) out of view.
🔒If using a soft-sided case, a locking device must be attached to the firearm.
💵Violations = civil infraction + $500 fine

🚲 GEAR UP FOR BIKE TO WORK DAY

If you haven't already broken out the ol' bike, now's the time! Especially since Bike to Work Day will be here before you know it, and we'd love to see you at one of our five free bicycle registration stations! Not only can you get your bike tuned up, but officers will also be on hand to help you register with 529 Garage. Plus, when you do register, you’ll receive a FREE 529 Shield! Talk about a spoke-tacular deal.😉

Plus, here are 8 cycling tips to help you arrive at your destination safely:

🚴 Plan your route, utilizing bike lanes when possible
🔧 Inspect your bike to ensure it's road-ready
🪖 Wear a helmet
🌟 Be visible: ensure your front and back lights are working, and wear reflective gear
✋ Be predictable and use hand signals to communicate with other cyclists and motorists
🚦 Obey all traffic laws and signals
📵 Minimize distractions: don't ride while wearing headphones
🚫 Don't consume and ride