Community Safety
Over nearly 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.
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.
By implementing the Mental Health Co-Responder Program in partnership with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Centennial has placed trained mental health professionals alongside law enforcement officers to handle calls involving mental health or social crises.
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 hired 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, which connects traffic signals across Centennial, enabling better monitoring and real-time management of traffic flow. This innovation not only improves the efficiency of everyday traffic management but also enhances emergency response capabilities, ensuring quicker reactions to incidents. By incorporating technology into safety infrastructure, Centennial is better equipped to protect its residents and keep the community running smoothly in times of need.
