FBI Denver Initiative Promotes Civil Rights Engagement By way of Neighborhood Outreach — FBI

The Denver division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is proud to announce the annual anniversary of Colorado Courage with a call for tenders to add members to the innovative community outreach group. Colorado Courage is an approach to hate crime and civil rights abuses reduction that unites law enforcement with faith and affinity communities across Colorado, many of which have historically been subjected to targeted violence. These groups include local churches, synagogues and masjids, the LGBTQ + community, and ethnic and / or nationality-based affinity groups.

The FBI Denver Field Office and the Colorado US Attorney’s Office have partnered with local law enforcement partners to identify key stakeholders across Colorado and hold quarterly summits with Colorado Courage Chapters from the Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Denver areas to help understand law enforcement improve efforts to combat hate crime and terrorist threats.

Colorado Courage’s stakeholders receive training, inform each other how pre-attack activities have been identified, and share information about potential threats. Law enforcement participants may receive threat intelligence from these communities about individuals who are taking steps to respond to violent ideas and, as appropriate, will report on steps taken to address concerns among members of the community. Advisories from Colorado Courage chapters will be reviewed and appropriate investigative measures will be initiated with guidance and input from the US Attorney General and the local District Attorney’s Office. These efforts culminated in a self-sustaining and formalized organization that enables community and law enforcement agencies to communicate regularly on issues related to criminal activities such as hate crimes, civil rights violations and threats.

“We are fortunate to have such great partners in the Colorado Courage program. Their innovative and pioneering collaboration has made them an invaluable resource, ”said Michael Schneider, FBI Denver Special Representative. “This partnership allows us to reach more members of our community and educate them not only about civil rights, but also how to identify and contain potential threats. The Denver FBI is grateful that members of this group have taken the initiative to share valuable resources and information to help keep our communities safe. “

“It is much more difficult for us to investigate threats or prosecute crimes that are not reported,” said Acting US Attorney Matt Kirsch. “The US Attorney’s Office is grateful to the Colorado Courage community participants, the FBI, and our other law enforcement partners for helping create a trusting environment that encourages reporting and ultimately helps make all of Colorado safer.”

As the primary federal agency responsible for investigating allegations of federal civil rights violations, the FBI places a high value on educating the public about and protecting civil rights. We have built productive and meaningful relationships with state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, non-governmental organizations, and community and minority groups to improve civil rights violations reporting, promote the benefits of sharing information and intelligence, and identify proactive strategies for trends in this area and to address. We work closely with partners to prevent and combat all federal human rights violations.

The FBI Denver Community Outreach Program introduces the people we serve, the FBI and its mission through community events, school visits, FBI-hosted programs, and partnerships. Through our interactions with the public, we seek to demystify the FBI, create awareness and education, and keep the public safe. Programs like Colorado Courage facilitate conversation and promote the exchange of information between law enforcement, other government agencies, and community leaders to ensure that all members are comfortable and confident about reaching all available resources.

The first Colorado Courage meeting in Denver was held in the summer of 2020, and the membership continues to grow. If you represent an organization interested in participating in Colorado Courage or would like more information, please contact us at [email protected].