About Us

Mission

The provision of police services that enhance the safety and well-being of all people in our community. 

Our Philosophy

"To maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and that the public are the police: the police being only the members of this public that are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interest of community welfare and existence."
          - Sir Robert Peel, Metropolitan Police of London, 1829

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Leading Principles

These principles embody the department's philosophy, vision, and values. They are the foundation upon which the Aspen Police Department establishes its policy, strategy, tactics, and actions. They enable the perpetuation and evolution of our role and partnership with our community. 

  1. Respect. The delegated power invested in the position of a peace officer demands the commitment of each officer in respecting the situation, life, and dignity of every person served.
  2. Balance. The three functions of Aspen policing: community service, order maintenance, and law enforcement; receive their focus based on the community's requests and expectations and the need for public safety.
  3. Fairness. Our decisions, actions, and rapport must be fairly applied to all people without prejudice or bias.
  4. Integrity. The public must be able to rely on the police department. Commitment, honesty, openness, and follow-through on our part provide a foundation for continued public trust, confidence, and cooperation.
  5. Ethical Behavior. Police department members are expected to adhere to a moral code of conduct more stringent than that of the community within which it operates both at work and in their personal lives.
  6. Reverence for the Law. Department members must act within the bounds of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, State, and Municipal Statute, while at the same time recognizing the discretionary nature of our judicial system.
  7. Community Policing. Our philosophy is directed through our need for public approbation; a focus on crime prevention; that the public are the police and the police members of the public.
  8. Effectiveness. The degree with which our community trusts the police department is the measure of our effectiveness. Trust in the police department enables an increase in the actual and perceived degree of safety in our community, the ultimate goal of our organization.

The Aspen Police Department patrol officers provide 24-hour police services to the Aspen community. Officers respond to a variety of calls including criminal incidents, civil complaints, and emergency medical calls. They are trained to handle any situation that may arise with a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our community.

Our branch includes 28 officers, five of which are sergeants, two are detectives, one is a school resource officer, and two are Human Resource Officers. When patrol officers are not directly responding to calls, they are highly involved in proactive measures to prevent crime within the community.

Officers communicate regularly with local businesses in an effort to foster mutually beneficial relationships with owners and employees. Officers can often be seen downtown on a weekend talking to visitors, workers, and residents, and patrolling the mall on foot. High visibility and accessibility of officers help maintain the policing style the public has come to know and respect in Aspen.

Detectives

The investigative office consists of two detectives who serve as a resource for patrol officers in their daily activities by assisting with and overseeing cases that require advanced investigative procedures or a large time commitment. Detectives assist patrol by providing advice, advanced evidence processing skills, and equipment to assist during the investigative stage of a case.

Detectives receive training on major case investigations, property room management, and technology evidence. Detectives also conduct in-house training for officers that focus on basic crime scene processing, fingerprinting skills, and sexual assault investigation procedures.

School Resource Officer

The Aspen Police Department considers interactions with youth a priority. The School Resource Officer works with the Aspen School District to assist with safety issues, criminal reporting, teaching classes, and fostering relationships with students. 

Community Response Officers

Community Response Officers are authorized by the City of Aspen to enforce municipal codes. The goal is to ensure a safe environment for those who live, work, and recreate in Aspen.

Community Response Officers do much more than code enforcement, they also offer support on medical calls, respond to vehicle accidents, and assist with animal complaints. They engage in community safety education, special event management, coordination of the Bear Aware campaign, and enforcement of trash ordinances.