Fort Carson, located in El Paso County, Colorado, is a United States Army installation that is home to several major units, including the 4th Infantry Division. The safety of Fort Carson and its surrounding areas is a concern for both military personnel and civilians. To assess the safety of the area, it is essential to examine crime statistics, law enforcement efforts, and other relevant factors.
Crime Statistics
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the United States, El Paso County, where Fort Carson is located, has experienced a mix of increases and decreases in various crime categories over the past few years. In 2020, the overall crime rate in El Paso County decreased by 10.6% compared to the previous year, with a total of 13,441 reported crimes. However, it is crucial to note that crime rates can fluctuate and may vary significantly within different areas of the county.
Violent and Property Crime Rates
Breaking down the crime statistics further, in 2020, El Paso County reported 554 violent crimes, which translates to a rate of 234.6 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants. This includes homicides, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults. On the other hand, property crimes, such as burglaries, larcenies, and motor vehicle thefts, totaled 12,887, resulting in a rate of 3,444.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. It’s worth mentioning that while these numbers provide insight into the crime situation, they do not necessarily reflect the safety within Fort Carson itself, as the installation has its own law enforcement and security measures.
| Crime Category | 2020 Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants |
|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 234.6 |
| Property Crime | 3,444.9 |
| Homicide | 4.3 |
| Rape | 44.9 |
| Robbery | 74.1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 111.3 |
| Burglary | 410.1 |
| Larceny | 2,644.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 390 |
Law Enforcement and Security Measures
The safety of Fort Carson is ensured by the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson Directorate of Emergency Services (DES), which includes the Fort Carson Police Department. The DES is responsible for providing law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to the installation. Additionally, the Army has implemented various security measures, including access control points, surveillance systems, and regular patrols, to protect personnel and assets within the fort.
Community Policing Initiatives
Both the Fort Carson Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office engage in community policing initiatives aimed at building trust and cooperation with the public. These initiatives include neighborhood watch programs, crime prevention seminars, and youth outreach activities. Such efforts are designed to foster a sense of community and encourage residents to work together with law enforcement to prevent and reduce crime.
Key safety initiatives on Fort Carson include the Army Community Policing program, which focuses on problem-solving and partnerships between law enforcement and the community, and the Fort Carson Crime Prevention Office, which offers advice and resources on preventing crime and protecting property. Moreover, the installation participates in national crime prevention programs, such as the National Night Out, to promote unity and awareness.
What are the most common crimes in El Paso County?
+According to crime statistics, larceny and burglary are among the most common crimes in El Paso County, accounting for a significant portion of reported property crimes.
How does the Fort Carson Police Department contribute to safety on the installation?
+The Fort Carson Police Department plays a critical role in maintaining safety by providing 24/7 law enforcement services, including patrols, investigations, and emergency response. They also work closely with other military and civilian agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to security and crime prevention.
In conclusion, while crime exists in and around Fort Carson, Colorado, the installation itself has a robust security framework in place, and both military and civilian law enforcement agencies are actively engaged in efforts to prevent and reduce crime. It is essential for residents and visitors to be aware of their surroundings, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
