Press release
 

APD releases annual report highlighting safety and enforcement efforts

Aspen, CO – The Aspen Police Department has released its annual report, showcasing a year of dedicated efforts to enhance safety and awareness throughout the city. Focused initiatives, including focused foot, bicycle, and vehicle traffic education and enforcement, have contributed to a safer and more informed community.

“Our team has ramped up efforts to improve safety, particularly in the downtown core and along Main Street,” said Aspen Police Chief Kim Ferber. “Through proactive education and enforcement, we are fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility.”

Key highlights from the report include:

• 4,436 traffic stops aimed at improving compliance with road safety regulations.
• 2,528 hours of foot patrols, strengthening community engagement and visibility.
• 167 hours of bicycle patrols, ensuring coverage throughout town.
• 119 hours dedicated to e-bike enforcement, addressing growing concerns about responsible e-bike use.
• 264 direct e-bike education contacts, reinforcing safe behaviors among residents and visitors.

One of the department’s key initiatives was the e-bike safety campaign, emphasizing proper usage, compliance with local laws, and safety awareness. With the increasing popularity of e-bikes, the campaign aimed to mitigate risks and promote responsible riding and will continue in 2025 and beyond.

The APD also held numerous community outreach events, including senior bingo, kids' bike rodeo, the spring bike auction, ice cream social, cocoa with the cops, donuts with the cops, and wildfire preparedness sessions. These events have strengthened relationships between law enforcement, partnering agencies and the community, fostering trust and collaboration.

The APD has been actively responding to community feedback by implementing proactive measures to address concerns about public safety. These efforts have led to an increase in charges for trespassing, disorderly conduct, and the destruction of property. The report also highlights the uptick in proactive policing in 2024 compared to 2023.

As part of the APD’s ongoing commitment to traffic safety, officer Sarah Freihon has become the first member of the agency to become a drug recognition expert. Freihon is trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. 

Additionally, the APD launched its new drone program in 2024. These unmanned vehicles provide an eye in the sky for numerous operations, from searching for missing persons to providing crowd overwatch at large special events.

Also in 2024, the APD became the first law enforcement agency in the Roaring Fork Valley to become an Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) partnering agency. ABLE was designed to help officers prepare to successfully intervene to prevent harm and create a law enforcement culture that supports peer intervention. 

“The safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority,” Ferber said. “By maintaining a strong presence, educating the public, and building partnerships in the community, we’re working toward a safer, more connected Aspen.”

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For more information, please contact:
Kim Ferber, Aspen Police Chief
(970) 920-5400
Kim.ferber@aspen.gov
Bill Linn, Assistant Police Chief
(970) 274-4103
Bill.linn@aspen.gov