Money for more downtown cops gets OK from Denver City Council panel

A Denver City Council committee Tuesday signed off on Mayor Michael Hancock's request for an extra $1.8 million this year to beef up downtown's police presence.

City officials are reacting to long-standing problems connected to the homeless in the Ballpark neighborhood and other issues, including public pot smoking on the 16th Street Mall and late-night revelry in Lower Downtown.

The money initially will cover overtime for the equivalent of 10 more police officers, with hiring of that many eventually. It also will pay for anticipated arrest and detention costs for the Denver sheriff.

Hancock announced the policing increase last month as part of a plan focused on downtown safety. Separately, the Public Works Department is spending $35,000 to $40,000 out of its budget for more frequent junk hauling, graffiti cleanup and sidewalk power-washing to address problems in growing Ballpark that stem, in part, from its concentration of homeless shelters and services.

The Government & Finance Committee approved the policing request 5-0, sending it to the full council. Councilwoman Robin Kniech abstained, in part because of a concern that the focus on Ballpark is treating symptoms rather than solutions for homelessness.

Councilwoman Judy Montero, who represents the area, responded that it's getting needed help from the city.

Jon Murray: 303-954-1405, jmurray@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JonMurray

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Money for more downtown cops gets OK from Denver City Council panel