To date, there has been one arrest in connection with last weekend’s riot. Investigations are ongoing, and we expect the number of arrests will grow in the coming days. I want to reiterate my commitment to holding those responsible accountable as quickly as possible and to begin healing our community.
We have added a March 6 University Hill Conduct Enforcement section to our COVID-19 dashboard, where ongoing conduct violations being adjudicated will be tracked and published on Wednesday and Friday of each week, and we will continue to provide additional updates to our community about investigations, enforcement and prevention.
Investigations
-
Boulder and CU police investigators have been working in collaboration since Sunday morning to collate all the available information about criminal actions by participants in the riot.
-
Anyone with information about the March 6 riot and participants should send their evidence through the City of Boulder portal that has been set up.
-
After police investigations are complete, cases are referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. Students will be held accountable to the university code of conduct and could face suspension or expulsion from the university.
-
Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers and Safe-to-Tell are sending anonymous reports to the Boulder and CU police departments investigations team. Forty to 50 tips have been submitted through Safe2Tell/Crime Stoppers directly to the Boulder Police Department, in addition to those sent to the CU Police Department.
-
A team of 15 investigators from BPD, CUPD and the District Attorney’s Office are reviewing more than 800 tips received since Sunday, including social media postings and videos to identify suspects and bring criminal charges where appropriate.
Prevention and enforcement
-
Boulder and CU police departments are developing additional law enforcement coverage plans for the coming weekends and St. Patrick’s Day to proactively address potential party and large gathering issues in the University Hill area.
-
The City of Boulder and University of Colorado Boulder are meeting with the University Hill Neighborhood Association to identify impacts and safety options to improve the environment for all residents.
-
CU Boulder, the CU Student Government, Fraternity and Sorority Life and neighbors are all calling for responsible behavior of all community members and students to prevent gatherings and violence from occurring again.
Campus resources
We know that after violent incidents like this, there are often a number of impacts to individuals. These can range from violence and harassment during the event to intimate partner abuse after the event. If you need support following the riot, we want to make sure you get the services and support you need. Our Office of Victim Assistance is confidential and can work with you around traumatic events to provide support.
I am thankful for all of you who continue to follow public health orders, set an example of what it means to be a Buff, take precautions, do what is right and stand up for our values.
Thank you and be well,
Philip DiStefano
Chancellor