Reported use-of-force incidents by Denver police rose 13% in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of gradual increase.

Why it matters: The continued increase raises concerns about a tactic that can erode public trust in law enforcement and cost the city millions in settlements.

By the numbers: The 993 reported uses of force last year — 112 more than in 2024 — marked the highest total in five years of publicly shared Denver Police Department data.

• Public use-of-force complaints also rose, nearly doubling to 67 last year, per an Office of the Independent Monitor report published Monday.
• Meanwhile, internal department complaints for the same reason last year dropped to six from 24 in 2024.

What he's saying: Over the past two years, police responded to multiple large-scale protests, including last June's "No Kings" protests and demonstrations outside Palantir headquarters, contributing to the rise in reported incidents, police chief Ron Thomas says.

• Another reason for the uptick: Since September 2020, officers have been required by state law to tally drawing or pointing a firearm as a use of force, he adds.
• Officers made contact with more people engaged in or suspected of criminal activity in 2025 than in years past, likely leading to more reports.

Between the lines: Use of force is defined as any time an officer uses physical force outside of hand control or handcuffing someone, Thomas says.

• Discharging a weapon, taking someone down, striking another car, or using so-called less-lethal tools like pepper spray are other examples.

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Axon, the company Mayor Mike Johnston's administration tapped to take over the city's automated license plate reader system, currently has a contract with the Department of Homeland Security, per USASpending.gov.

Why it matters: Axon's direct ties to a federal agency overseeing Immigration and Customs Enforcement put it at odds with a city whose leaders publicly denounced ICE's tactics and policies.

• The city's current vendor, Flock, drew criticism last year over concerns that its database could be accessed by federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement assisting federal investigations.

Driving the news: Denver City Council members moved a proposed one-year contract with Axon out of committee yesterday.

State of play: Axon is in the middle of a five-year contract with DHS worth up to $997,118 to provide cameras and data storage to support DHS investigations, according to USASpending.gov.

• The contract helps DHS "fulfill its mission of protecting American citizens" by providing body-worn cameras and other camera-related accessories, a DHS spokesperson tells Axios Denver.

Context: The mayor's administration has assured council members that data collected by cameras will be protected and used solely by local police.

Yes, but: Council members said they worry President Trump's administration could bypass those protections with subpoenas or executive orders, potentially obtaining data gathered locally.

What's next

A long-stalled deal to rewrite the state's far-reaching artificial intelligence regulations appears suddenly within reach.

Why it matters: Colorado's first-in-the-nation AI regulations set the standard, but disagreements over liability and scope forced advocates back to the table to draft a last-minute overhaul before the session ends in May.

State of play: A task force convened by Gov. Jared Polis released draft legislation Tuesday to amend the 2024 law, and it's drawing initial support from Sen. Robert Rodriguez, who introduced the original bill.

• In an interview yesterday, Rodriguez (D-Denver) told Axios Denver he sees areas that need tweaks, but he's reassured the task force kept important provisions about transparency and discrimination.
• "They kept the framework and are attempting to keep the important parts of the policy," he added. "I appreciate that they're not throwing the baby out with the bath water."

Zoom in: The draft legislation excludes common AI programs, such as spellcheck or large language models like ChatGPT, and it narrows the areas covered by the law to exempt "low-stakes or routine decisions."

• The measure would still prohibit discrimination when AI models are used for education, employment, housing, financial matters, insurance, health care services and essential government services.

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Organizers are canceling a planned Denver march for César Chávez after a New York Times investigation reported the Chicano civil rights and labor icon had groomed and sexually abused girls. (Denverite)

🏢 Denver-based Crusoe will open a factory in Brighton to build modular data centers, employing roughly 200 people. (Denver Post 🔑)

🚆 The contest to name the Front Range Passenger Rail is being extended one week until March 30. So far, the leading name is Colorado Connector, or "CoCo," John reports.

Levitt Pavilion is getting ready to start its annual summer series of free concerts with top headliners.

The vibe: Don't expect arena-level bands, but a handful of the acts should draw big followings.

• Plus: It's a fun place to take in a show.

Zoom in: The lineup includes:

• Flobots, a Denver hip-hop group
• La Santa Cecilia, a Grammy-winning Latin band
• Rebirth Brass Band, the legendary New Orleans touring act
• Dessa, an indie/alternative rapper/singer
• Sunsquabi, an electronic jam/funk trio
• Tiana Major9, a Grammy-nominated R&B and soul artist

How it works: No tickets needed, but organizers encourage RSVPs. Otherwise, the venue allows walk-ups until its full.

Pro-tip: You can also purchase premium tickets to get better seats, priority service at the bar, one free drink and early entry.