Use-of-force cases and complaints are on the rise
By Esteban L. Hernandez
Published on March 19, 2026.
The number of reported use-of-force incidents by Denver police rose by 13% in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of a steady increase. The increase raises concerns about whether this tactic can erode public trust in law enforcement and potentially cost the city millions in settlements. The 993 reported uses of force last year, 112 more than the previous year, marked the highest total in five years of publicly shared data. Public and internal use of force complaints also rose, nearly doubling to 67 last year. The rise may be due to multiple large-scale protests, including recent "No Kings" protests and demonstrations outside Palantir headquarters, contributing to the increase in reported incidents. The Department of Public Safety is considering revamping its approach to discipline with an education-based approach.
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