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Denver cops may start carrying food for people in need

The move aims to serve as both a crime prevention and community policing tactic

By Police1 Staff

DENVER – The Denver Department of Public Safety may start equipping first responders with nonperishable food items to hand out to those in need.

Denverite reports the move aims to serve as both a crime prevention and community policing tactic.

“This steps slightly out of what their traditional job duties have been,” Zach Fleck, a Denver DPS senior financial analyst, told Denverite. “With the idea that if we can get ahead of some of these issues – poverty, food security, behavioral health – then ultimately what will happen is the instances of crime will be lower in the future than they are today.”

The city is planning to partner with local churches, nonprofits and other aid groups in the effort. In addition to having food on hand, first responders will be able to connect those in need with city resources. The Denver DPS hopes the plan will curtail crimes of desperation.

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