Data from the Aspen Police Department shows a significant decline in police activity from last spring. In March and April, there were 40% fewer total calls for service than the same period in 2019.
Every category showed a sharp decrease in police activity while Pitkin County was under restrictive public health orders. Property crimes (thefts, trespassing, fraud, criminal mischief, etc.) went down by 56% and crimes against persons (disorderly conduct, assault, harassment, etc.) went down by 38%.
The largest decreases were on the roads. Traffic stops were down 73% from the year before and traffic citations and accidents were both down 58%.
Police officials say the department made policy changes to limit contact between officers and residents, which partially explains the decrease in traffic stops.
During March and April, Aspen Police only recorded two public health order violations. Both were the same person in the same week.
