DENVER SUCCEEDING IN FIGHTING CRIME Saturday, July 04, 2009 | 70.0° Mostly Cloudy Justice Grant  Helps D.A. and Police Learn Effective Tools and Techniques An eighteen month project support by the National Institute of Justice is reaping rewards for the Denver Police and Denver District Attorney. The City and County of Denver received a grant from the National Institute of Justice for a DNA Burglary Project along with four other cities. Now, with the effort underway for just over a year, the Denver Project will be held out by the National Institute of Justice as a national model for the use of DNA in property crimes. Denver has focused the grant funding on volume crimes such as burglary, auto-theft, and theft from motor vehicle cases from the inception.  At a recent meeting of the cities involved in this study (Topeka KS, Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, and Phoenix, AZ), Denver had the most hits on the CODIS (DNA database), cases filed with the DA’s office, and the number of cases prosecuted.  In addition, Denver was deemed the most successful in officer education. Identified over 40 prolific burglars since the project started November 1, 2005. A prolific burglar commits an average of 243 cases per year. Burglary cases where DNA is recovered, the prosecution rate is 5 times higher than cases without DNA. Average sentence for burglars linked to DNA is over 12 years in prison (compared to 6 months without DNA evidence). A recent case after police arrested one man - who later admitted to over 1000 burglaries - the burglary rate in the West Washington Park neighborhood dropped about 40%. This project’s success is due to the cooperation and tireless work of the Denver Police Department’s Crime Laboratory Crime Scene Investigators and Forensic Scientists, the Denver District Attorney’s Office, the Denver Police Department District Detectives, and all Denver Police Department Patrol Officers who were trained and participated in the project.  The funding for the project ends in September and City officials are seeking ways of continuing this outstanding program.    Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 Posted by AlanD  Contributed by AlanD Return

The New Zoning Code website is a way for everyone in Denver to get involved and give feedback on the code. The interactive site has many features, including blogs, video blogs, questions and answers, a public meeting schedule and general information on The New Zoning Code.

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Announcements Independence Day Means Free Parking July 3-5  Denver parking meters will be free from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, 2009. Denver meters are free on all City-recognized holidays and on Sundays.  Normal meter collections will resume on Monday, July 6. Welcome Revamped Park July 7 - A ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony of west Denver’s newly remodeled Bear Creek Park, located at the intersection of Sheridan Boulevard and Hampden Avenue. The park has undergone an extensive renovation. Latino Rythms July 18 - The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs presents Latino Rhythms at Lincoln Park, 11th Ave. and Mariposa St. Latino Rhythms highlights Latino music, dance and heritage. This event is free and open to the public. New Public Art Bike Tour July 19 - A new Public Art Tour, via biking, allows citizens and visitors to experience some of Denver’s most architecturally stunning environments, as well as view noteworthy artworks and learn the intimate details of their creation and installation. Film on the Rocks - 10 films over 10 weeks June - Aug  Each week this summer, a classic film and band will appear at Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosted by hilarious comedians. Come out and enjoy the natural Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Tickets are only 10 dollars, parking is free, and the entertainment is top notch! 2009 Movies in the Parks June - Aug.   Free Family Fun under the Stars. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic goodies for a fun-filled night watching a movie in one of Denver’s beautiful urban parks. Building a "Better Denver" The Better Denver Program is a comprehensive effort to invest in the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of city facilities as well as new construction. Residents can follow progress on neighborhood bond projects at the Better Denver website Free Public Art Tours-2009 Guided tours create an opportunity to venture inside venues such as the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and Colorado Convention Center and to view works at Civic Center. Learn the intimate details of their creation and installation.   More Announcements      1 2