COLORADO - On April 18, 2021, 16 Denver metro agencies made a coordinated effort to show street racers their behavior will not be tolerated. Each of these agencies provided officers and other resources to help make a notable impact. More than 280 citations were issued and four arrests were made during the joint operation. These street racing groups met illegally in several private parking lots and several drivers were issued citations for trespassing after causing damage to the parking lots.
Thirty-four different law enforcement agencies are continuing to work together to help put a stop to illegal street racing on Colorado’s roadways. This street racing working group was established in response to an increase in illegal street racing around Colorado. This group has been meeting and working on various methods to help curb the issue.
Street racing is a dangerous activity that puts lives at risk. Drivers who engage in street racing can quickly lose control and injure or kill themselves or other innocent roadway users. In addition, other criminal activities are often tied to these racers increasing the level of danger. There have been reports of shots being fired during recent events.
Those who choose to take part in street racing can be subject to serious penalties for crimes such as reckless driving, reckless endangerment, engaging in a speed contest, aiding in a speed contest, or obstructing a highway incident to a speed contest. These charges often carry enough points to lead to a loss of your driving privileges, fines, and possible jail time.
If you find yourself in a situation with vehicles racing around you or putting yourself and others at risk, try to separate yourself and safely move away from those vehicles. Contact law enforcement and do not try to stop their behaviors with your own vehicle. If it is an immediate safety risk, call 911. You are also able to report these incidents to Colorado State Patrol at *CSP (*277) on your cell phone, or later at reportstreetracing.com. Private property owners that are experiencing illegal meets at their place of business can contact local law enforcement to initiate a trespass order.
The Colorado State Patrol created a program several years ago at Bandimere Speedway called Take it to the Track. This program allows drivers a positive alternative to street racing and provides a controlled environment to practice responsible speed.
Agencies involved in the street racing working group include:
- City of Denver Attorney’s Office
- Denver District Attorney’s Office
- 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
- 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
- 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
- Adams County Sheriff’s Office
- Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office
- Arvada Police Department
- Aurora Police Department
- Brighton Police Department
- Broomfield Police Department
- Castle Rock Police Department
- Colorado Information Analysis Center
- Colorado Springs Police Department
- Colorado State Patrol
- Commerce City Police Department
- Denver Police Department
- Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
- Edgewater Police Department
- Federal Heights Police Department
- Fountain Police Department
- Glendale Police Department
- Golden Police Department
- Greenwood Village Police Department
- Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
- Lakewood Police Department
- Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
- Littleton Police Department
- Lone Tree Police Department
- Morrison Police Department
- Northglenn Police Department
- Thornton Police Department
- Westminster Police Department
- Wheat Ridge Police Department
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.