It was a busy year on Wheat Ridge roads in 2024 and the Wheat Ridge Police Department stepped up staffing and enforcement to meet that need.
In 2024, WRPD saw a nearly 13% increase in total traffic accidents, handling a total of 1,330 calls for accidents in the city. On average over the past five years, the department has handled roughly 1,200 per year. The department hopes drivers will be more focused this year, after a new law bans drivers from holding their phones while driving in 2025.
One trend of particular concern for the department is the rise in people driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or in some cases, both.
WRPD saw a nearly 62% increase in DUI crashes in 2024, handling 68 calls over the year. On average, the department normally fields roughly 42 DUI calls per year and handled 42 DUI calls in 2023.
The department can’t control what people do and the decisions they make before getting behind the wheel. That being said, the department is committed to strong enforcement to keep our streets safe.
In 2024, traffic citations went up 49% in Wheat Ridge. The department issues 3,851 tickets last year, which is considered very high compared to the five-year average. The department’s Crash and Traffic Team (CATT) is now fully staffed with four officers and a Sergeant running the specialized traffic unit. CATT handles a majority of the major crashes in the city, and is assisted by the patrol team, which is also fully staffed.
With a rise in DUI accidents came a rise in DUI enforcement in 2024. DUI arrests shot up nearly 28% in 2024, with 120 total arrests.
Driving is a privilege. The Wheat Ridge Police Department remains committed to strong enforcement that will keep our roads safe and pushing for accountability for those who don’t follow the rules of the road.
