Public Nuisance Abatement Unit

Phone: 720-913-0548
Fax: 720-913-0558

Denver's Nuisance Abatement Law

Tired of "that one house" on your block where your peace of mind is always challenged?

The Nuisance Abatement Law may be the answer.

The Nuisance Abatement Unit is part of the Denver Police Department and works with the Citv Attorney's Office and District Attorney's Office to identify, abate, deter, and prevent the recurrence of public nuisances within the City of Denver. The Unit can accomplish this by filing for seizure of property and cars, and other court orders to abate the problem.

Under the Nuisance Abatement law, a public nuisance is not a trashy yard or neglected home (see the article titled Neighborhood Inspection Services). A public nuisance is any real property or vehicle where criminal activity occurs. The activity can include drug violations, gambling, sex offenses, weapon offenses, gang activity, noise offenses, and disturbing the peace.

The abatement law can be applied by first reporting criminal activity and insisting on signing a complaint (see the article titled Calling 9-1-1). Once this occurs, a file can be started to document activity concerning the property or vehicle.

After calling the police dispatcher, make a note to yourself concerning the date, time, and circumstances. Leave a message for your Neighborhood Police Officer to contact you. Your NPOs will then make arrangements to meet with you and your neighbors. During this meeting, the NPOs will ask you for information concerning the problem address or car. The NPOs will provide you with detailed information about the Nuisance Abatement Law and how everyone in your neighborhood can work together, with the police department, to eliminate the problem.

The NPOs have had some success by directly contacting the problem address. The NPOs make the occupants aware of the Nuisance Abatement Law and educate them about the consequences of future violations. The NPOs explain to the occupants, and the landlord if applicable, that the neighborhood is tired of the problem and willing to assist the police. This simple tactic has often solved the problem before future steps are required in applying the law.

Your Neighborhood Police Officers are committed to supporting law abiding citizens in regaining neighborhoods. We will encourage everyone on your block to come together in a show of solidarity, support, and purpose. In turn, we need you to report criminal activity and to sign a complaint when necessary.