Stephen Redfearn

I have worked in law enforcement for over 26 years, starting in High School as a cadet. I have been with the Boulder Police Department for 4 years, coming to BPD after 23 years with Aurora PD where I worked in nearly every area of the agency. I have been the Boulder Police Chief for about 1-year, having served as Interim Chief for 9 months before that. I retired from Aurora PD As a Division Chief. I started young in law enforcement, at 21 years old, and have learned a great deal.

Through my own experiences and personal journey being an out, gay man in policing, I have learned that you can't let anyone tell you what you can or can't do, what you should or shouldn't do, and that nothing will be handed to you. Early on in my career, I was doing what I thought I was "supposed" to do to conform to what the norms were. I quickly learned that this would not serve me well, and I pivoted. When I chose to do the right thing and the things that I would enjoy, I learned the power of not letting others dictate your path.