Boulder Police Department Supporting Our Community

No. It is not the role of the Boulder Police Department to enforce federal immigration laws. Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of federal agencies, not local police. This policy is consistent with City of Boulder ordinances and Colorado law.

No. The Boulder Police Department does not ask people about their immigration status. We do not have the legal authority to enforce civil immigration laws. We do not arrest or detain people because of their immigration status, nor will we ask for immigration papers.

The Boulder Police Department will be in uniform or have clear BPD identification visible (examples: marked patrol car, vest, badge) when on patrol. Patrol officers will never conceal their faces. We will properly identify ourselves by name, rank, and agency when interacting with community members. We will clearly explain the reason for any law enforcement interaction. We will respond if you have concerns about the legitimacy of any law enforcement officers or suspicious people.

Watch our video: How Do You Recognize a Real Police Officer? on Vimeo

Video en español: ¿Cómo reconocer a un verdadero agente de la Policía de Boulder? on Vimeo

Our preparation as an accredited, professional law enforcement agency is the same as it has always been. We train our officers in professional, constitutional, community-centered policing. Every Boulder police officer is trained in de-escalation and proper protocols for any law enforcement encounter. This includes properly identifying ourselves by name, rank, and agency; clearly explaining the reason for any interaction; responding reasonably to reasonable questions; and avoiding placing ourselves or others in unnecessarily dangerous situations. These protocols are fundamental to how we train and operate every day.

Boulder police cannot impede or interfere with federal agents. Federal law enforcement agents have a legal right to enforce federal immigration laws. Federal law prohibits Boulder police officers from obstructing or interfering with the work of federal officers while they are performing their official duties (18 U.S.C. 1501). Boulder police officers can respond to a scene with activated body-worn cameras and document what is taking place.

Boulder Police will respond to any and every call for help, and we will document our response and on-scene interactions using body-worn cameras as we do during all other enforcement actions. Boulder Police will work to ensure the safety of everyone in our community.

It's important to know your rights. Resources can be found on the Immigration Resources webpage here.

You have the right to ask any law enforcement officer to identify themselves by name, rank, and agency, and to ask them to explain why they have stopped you. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of law enforcement officers, you may ask for identification. You can call 911 to verify the identity of any officer or if you have concerns for your safety or the safety of others.

We advise everyone who lives, works, or recreates in Boulder, regardless of citizenship status, to learn and know your rights. Resources can be found on our Immigration Resources webpage here. You have the right to ask law enforcement to identify themselves and explain why they've stopped you. You have the constitutional right to peaceful, lawful protest, and the Boulder Police Department fully respects and protects this right. If you choose to protest, do so peacefully and lawfully, and follow any instructions from Boulder police officers regarding public safety. Federal law prohibits individuals from interfering with or obstructing federal law enforcement operations. Situations become most dangerous when there's confusion about procedures or when basic communication breaks down. If you observe law enforcement activity that concerns you, remain at a safe distance, do not interfere with operations, document what you observe if you can do so safely, and contact the Boulder Police Department. We are here to protect and support your right to be heard safely.

The recent tragic events in other cities demonstrate why adherence to basic and professional law enforcement protocols is so critical. The best thing our community can do is understand that the Boulder Police Department is committed to these protocols and to the safety of every person in Boulder. We've worked for years to build trust with our community, and we will not compromise that trust. Clear communication, proper coordination between agencies, and adherence to professional standards prevent tragedies.

If you need to file a complaint regarding a Boulder police officer, contact 303-441-3312 or email the Professional Standards Unit at psu@bouldercolorado.gov. You can also file a complaint on our police commendations and complaints webpage here.

To file a complaint regarding a federal agent (FBI, ICE, or DHS employee), contact U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement at 1-833-442-3677 or email ICE.Misconduct@dhs.gov, or contact Border Patrol DHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-323-8603, or contact your local FBI Office. In addition, the Colorado Attorney General also has a complaint process for federal agents. Visit the the Colorado Attorney General complaint form to formally file.

If you need help determining if a person has been detained by ICE, use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System here.