Get to Know Your Boulder Police Department

Steve Redfearn, police chief

Hello, Boulder!

Happy November! The start to fall has been very busy and chaotic for us, and I am sure for you too. An exciting Election season, Daylight Saving Time, budget talks, and lots of activity with CU events and Halloween, it has been a whirlwind. 

I want to share some updates and recent goings on inside BPD. 

First, as you likely saw on October 29th, I was able to be in Federal Court in Denver to witness the defendant from our 6/1/25 terrorist attack change his plea to guilty. He had previously pleaded not guilty and would have likely gone through a lengthy court process and trial. With the court accepting this plea, it avoided prolonging this case and further traumatizing the individuals involved, especially the survivors. 

Since the state charges and case against this guy were already handled here locally, this part of the process was handled by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I am incredibly grateful for their partnerships and care that was shown for our Boulder community. The defendant will be formally sentenced in January, and we can finally start to heal, knowing that he is never going to see the light of day. 

State and local law enforcement and prosecutors held a news conference after the suspect in the June 1 attack pleaded guilty to federal charges.

On a more positive note, our latest Community Academy graduated that same day after nine weeks of learning about the Boulder Police Department and some of our public safety partners. I heard nothing but positive feedback from the attendees and they all answered with a resounding “Yes” when I asked them if we should still keep doing the academy. So, watch for our 2027 Community Academy application, which should be out late spring or early summer! We’d love to show you what really goes on inside our department. 

The Boulder Police Community Academy 2026 Class with members of BPD.

I have previously spoken about our STAR Program, which is our international exchange program with Germany. This summer, I mentioned that we were able to send two of our officers to Germany to learn about policing there. This October, we welcomed two German police officers to Boulder for two weeks. They lived with a BPD officer and their family and learned all about policing here. The German officers were incredibly grateful for their time here. I must thank the Boulder Police Foundation for their support with this endeavor. 

Speaking of the Police Foundation, in early October, I was lucky enough to attend the 3rd annual Boulder Police Foundation gala, where we celebrated the men and women of BPD, shared some stories behind why some of us choose to serve the community, and raised a lot of money to support our sworn and professional staff. A tremendous thank you to the Foundation and all of our community members who came out to support us. 

Attendees enjoy the Boulder Police Foundation gala.

I completed this newsletter before the tragedy on Halloween on Marine Street. I am thankful that I don’t often have to write about crimes of violence, especially fatal shootings, but I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge this heinous crime. 

We have a court case ahead of us, so I can’t discuss specifics, but I want to acknowledge just how upsetting this murder was, and to say that we are here for all of the involved and affected individuals. I have been in contact with our District Attorney Michael Dougherty and am certain that this case will be given the attention it deserves. 

From the Dispatchers who fielded the frantic 911 calls to the first Patrol officers who rushed to the scene—arriving in less than two minutes and applying a tourniquet that likely saving a young man’s life—I am incredibly proud of our team.

BPD detectives worked diligently alongside our partner agencies, especially CUPD, to swiftly identify the individuals involved and make an arrest. From not knowing who these people were to identifying them within 24 hours and having the shooting suspect in custody within 36 hours is incredible investigative skill and exactly how these cases should work. 

We stand with our Boulder and CU Boulder communities and will work hard to combat gun violence as we continue to work to keep Boulder the safe place it is.

Steve Redfearn, police chief 

Last month we talked about this detailed investigation by Patrol and Detectives that led to multiple arrests and the recovery of nearly a dozen high end bikes and scooters.

But we still have several of these items and we'd like to return them to their rightful owners. The recovered bikes can be viewed on our website.

If you think one of these items belong to you, please contact BPD Property and Evidence at 303-441-3340. You will be required to prove ownership.

Boulder Police Department home page: bouldercolorado.gov/government/departments/police