Policies & Practices

Recent Policy Changes and Updates:

Facial Recognition Software - April 1, 2024

The Brighton Police Department (BPD) has prepared this Accountability Report pursuant to the requirements of Colorado Senate Bill 22-113, as codified in Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) §§ 24-18-301 through 309. This Accountability Report discusses information required by CRS §§ 24-18-302(2)(a-h). Related references to statutory requirements are noted where applicable.

Verified Alarm Response - January 1, 2024

Effective January 1, 2024, the Brighton Police Department will transition to a verified alarm policy and procedure. This is in response to consistent local and national research indicating 95% to 98% of alarm calls for service to the police are false in nature. The police response to ongoing false alarms diverts critical police resources away from efforts where they could be more effectively used.

Moving forward, officers will not be dispatched to unverified alarms, meaning an intrusion alarm where there is a single trip source or where additional information is not provided by the alarm company or reporting party to validate the alarm. Verifying information may include: 

• A witness who observes suspicious behavior
• Multiple interior alarms are triggered
• Video surveillance confirms suspicious behavior
• Other factors that would justify a police response

Dispatchers will broadcast unverified alarms via radio and clear the call out. Nothing in this policy will preclude an officer from responding to an unverified alarm if they have independent cause for such a response (high crime area, trends, etc.). Robbery, panic and duress alarms, as well as intrusion alarms at financial institutions, shall still be responded to by officers. Officers will also continue to respond to 911 hang-up calls.