Arvada Police Face More Resignations, Callers Could Face Delays

ARVADA, CO — Arvadans who call the police about crimes such as mischief, theft and disputes could face longer wait times as the Arvada Police Department deals with staffing challenges, according to the latest edition of the Arvada Report.

The law enforcement agency, which has an authorized staff of 191 certified police officers, is among many across the nation that are dealing with a high number of resignations and retirements.

"Some departing officers have stated that they no longer feel appreciated in their current career, even though they put their lives on the line every time they go to work," the Arvada Report reads.

"Local protests questioning the integrity of the APD’s officers and ascribing negative aspects of the national narrative regarding race and other issues to our local department has caused some to consider a career change. In addition, recent state legislation has been perceived by some officers as punitive."

After George Floyd was killed in 2020 by former police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, thousands of Coloradans protested for weeks against police brutality. Gov. Jared Polis then signed a sweeping police reform and accountability bill June 19 — Juneteenth. The new provisions strengthen the criminal legal standard for officers who use excessive force, ban choke holds and protect protesters from police violence.

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Arvada Police Officer Gordon Beesley was shot to death June 21 in an ambush by a man who hated police, the department said.

"The Arvada Police Department expects to see more departures in the following weeks and months as employee families consider the cost and impact of this job on their loved ones," the Arvada Report read.

Statistics on the number of resignations and early retirements at the Arvada Police Department were not immediately available; however, a report by the Police Executive Research Forum found that departments of APD's size are seeing around a 28 percent higher resignation rate and a 58 percent higher retirement rate over the past year.

A group of Arvada city officials and representatives formed an internal committee that is tackling the problem of police officer retention and recruitment. Arvada Police Chief Link Strate said hiring standards will not be compromised amid shortages.

>> Read the full Arvada Report here.