Recognizing Suspicious Activity

The Denver Police Department encourages everyone to be aware of their surroundings and to report all suspicious activity by calling the non-emergency line at (720) 913-2000, visiting your local police district station, or dialing 911 in an emergency. Below is a list of indicators that point to suspicious behavior or even possible terrorist activity:

  • Business patrons or individuals who carry large amounts of cash.
  • Business patrons or individuals who make unusual rentals or purchase large amounts of a chemical substance—particularly poisonous, flammable, or explosive substances.
  • Unusual thefts of chemicals or explosive substances.
  • Unusual thefts of weapons or vehicles, including planes or boats.
  • Business patrons or individuals who make unusual inquiries about public utilities, large public gatherings, transportation centers, or governmental buildings.
  • Anyone making requests for information, particularly about security or procedures for high-risk buildings or events listed above.
  • Anyone attempting to appear ‘normal’ in their behavior, such as portraying themselves as a student or tourist.
  • Any person carrying identity documents that are issued using various names.

Submit a Suspicious Activity Report


Bomb Threats

Phone: (720) 913-2000 or 911 in an emergency

The Denver Police Bomb Unit conducts criminal investigations on all incidents involving the manufacture, possession, use, or threatened use of explosives or explosive devices. Our personnel are highly trained FBI-certified bomb technicians responsible for handling, transporting, and rendering safe all explosive items within the City. To learn more about us, or about bomb safety and awareness tips, see below:

Tips if you receive a bomb threat

  • Obtain Caller ID if the threat is received by phone
  • Avoid handling evidence
  • Gather as much information about the caller as possible
  • Immediately following a bomb threat call, hang up the receiver and pick it back up before another call comes in
  • Initiate a call trace by dialing *57 and listen to the recorded message for instructions
  • Report all bomb threats to the police

Suspicious letters, packages, or other items

  • Item appears unexpectedly and seems out of place
  • No one knows how it arrived
  • Do not handle or move any suspicious item
  • Move people away
  • Call the police immediately

Suspected explosive device

  • Anything that resembles an explosive device must be treated with extreme caution
  • DO NOT TOUCH the item
  • Move people to a safe location far away from the device
  • Immediately call the police
  • Remember - wires, power supplies, switches may not be present

Post blast events

  • A secondary device may be present
  • These are designed to kill or injure first responders
  • Other hazards include; broken gas lines, downed power lines, falling glass, weakened building structure integrity
  • Evacuate the area
  • Immediately call police

Want more information?

If you have additional questions or wish to schedule a training in the areas of Bomb Awareness or Bomb Threat Response Planning, call (720) 913-6236.