Community Safety
Over two decades of public service, Mayor Stephanie Piko has made community safety a cornerstone of her leadership in Centennial. Under her guidance, the city has developed a comprehensive approach that integrates traditional law enforcement, mental health support, proactive homelessness management, and innovative technology. By focusing on collaboration and prevention, Mayor Piko is ensuring that Centennial remains a safe, resilient community for all residents.
Building Trust with Law Enforcement
One of Mayor Piko’s top priorities has been rebuilding and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
A key component of this effort is her support for the School Resource Officers (SROs) program, which ensures that officers are present in schools, fostering trust and open communication between students and law enforcement. Additionally, therapy dogs have been introduced to help improve police-community relations, particularly with youth, creating more positive, supportive interactions. By focusing on building trust and rapport, Mayor Piko’s administration is helping to establish a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.
Support for the Return of the Mounted Patrol
Mayor Piko also supported the re-establishment of the Arapahoe County Mounted Patrol Unit, which was revived in 2019 after a 30-year hiatus. Recognizing the unique value of mounted law enforcement, Mayor Piko championed the unit’s mission to provide a highly visible and approachable presence that enhances community outreach, crime prevention, search and rescue, and crowd control.
Her support helped strengthen partnerships between Centennial and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring the mounted patrol’s active role in patrolling trails, participating in public events, and engaging citizens—including youth volunteers—to foster stronger community connections and public safety.
n 2020, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Mounted Unit launched the “Reading to Horses” program—an initiative supported by Mayor Stephanie Piko—that has helped over 3,500 elementary students build literacy skills by reading aloud to police horses and receiving free, illustrated books inspired by the unit’s real-life equine partners. Additionally, the Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation will honor the city's K-9 patrol and therapy dogs with dedicated sculptures in Centennial Center Park.
Addressing Mental Health and Crisis Response
Mental health crises require specialized care, and Mayor Piko has worked to ensure that Centennial’s emergency response system reflects that need. The Mental Health Co-Responder Program, is a partnership between the City of Centennial and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, which pairs mental health professionals with law enforcement to respond to crisis calls—ensuring individuals receive appropriate support while allowing officers to focus on crime and public safety.
This reduces the burden on police officers, allowing them to focus on emergencies while providing the necessary support for individuals in crisis. Through this program, Mayor Piko has demonstrated that mental health challenges should be addressed with empathy and expertise, not solely through traditional law enforcement.
Proactive Homelessness Solutions
Mayor Piko recognizes that homelessness is a complex issue that requires compassionate and proactive strategies. To address this, she and the City Council approved the hiring of a Homelessness Coordinator to lead efforts in providing resources and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Through collaboration with the Faith Council, the city has taken a compassionate approach that prioritizes maintaining community safety while providing essential resources to those in need. This proactive model has allowed Centennial to focus on long-term solutions while ensuring that its residents feel safe and supported.
Technological Innovation for Public Safety
In today’s world, technology plays a critical role in enhancing public safety. Mayor Piko has overseen the development of a Traffic Operations Center that connects traffic signals across Centennial, enabling real-time monitoring and management of traffic flow. This innovation improves daily traffic efficiency and emergency response times. Additionally, under her leadership, the Safer Streets Initiative has increased pedestrian safety by adding sidewalks, trails, flashing beacons, and crosswalks. By integrating technology and infrastructure improvements, Centennial is better equipped to protect residents and keep the community running smoothly.
