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5 Major Changes Reshaping The Durango Police Department In 2025: New Leadership, Controversial Tech, And A New Home

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The Durango Police Department (DPD) in Durango, CO, is currently undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its recent history. As of December 23, 2025, the department is operating under a new command structure, preparing for a state-of-the-art facility, and implementing new, sometimes controversial, public safety technology. These changes reflect a concerted effort by the City of Durango to modernize law enforcement, address persistent public safety concerns, and enhance community policing efforts in the face of rising challenges.

This deep dive explores the freshest updates, from the appointment of its new command staff to the details of the innovative programs and infrastructure projects that are defining the DPD’s mission to "serve and protect" the community of Durango, Colorado.

A New Command Era: Chief Brice Current and Deputy Chief Chris Gonzalez

The leadership transition at the Durango Police Department marks a pivotal moment for the organization and the entire community. The city’s rigorous selection process culminated in the appointment of a new Police Chief and a new Deputy Police Chief, signaling a fresh strategic direction for public safety in La Plata County.

The Selection of Chief Brice Current

In a move that emphasizes continuity and local expertise, the City of Durango selected Deputy Chief Brice Current to lead the Durango Police Department as its new Police Chief. Chief Current, who replaced former Chief of Police Bob Brammer, has made it clear that a focus on community engagement and proactive initiatives will be his utmost priority. His internal promotion provides a smooth transition while ensuring that existing knowledge of the unique challenges facing the Durango area remains central to the department's strategy.

Introducing Deputy Chief Chris Gonzalez

Further solidifying the new command structure, the Durango Police Department introduced Chris Gonzalez as the new Deputy Police Chief at a swearing-in ceremony. Deputy Chief Gonzalez's appointment brings a wealth of experience to the DPD, complementing Chief Current's focus. The new command team is tasked with overseeing the DPD’s approximately 50 sworn police officers, a vital team responsible for maintaining order and addressing crime rates in the city.

The new leadership is immediately faced with complex issues, including managing public perception, addressing high-profile incidents, and steering the department through major infrastructural changes.

Modernizing the Force: New Facilities and Technology Initiatives

The Durango Police Department is not just changing its personnel; it is also fundamentally upgrading its physical infrastructure and technological capabilities to better serve the public safety needs of Durango, CO.

Funding for the New DPD Headquarters

A major development for the city and the police department is the successful acquisition of funding for a new facility. The City of Durango earned an impressive AA+ bond rating, which is specifically earmarked to fund the construction of a new police department and city hall, often referred to as the "9r building" project. This significant financial achievement ensures that the DPD will soon move out of its aging facilities and into a modern, purpose-built headquarters. The new building is expected to enhance operational efficiency, provide better training facilities, and create a more accessible and welcoming environment for citizens interacting with the police department.

The Controversial Automated Speed Enforcement Camera System

One of the most talked-about new initiatives under Chief Current is the plan to install an Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras System throughout Durango. This initiative was directly prompted by a growing number of resident complaints regarding excessive speeding drivers on Durango's streets. Police Chief Brice Current has publicly stated that the cameras are a necessary step to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents.

While the department views this as a crucial step toward enhancing road safety, the use of speed enforcement cameras has sparked debate among residents and civil liberties advocates. The implementation of this new technology is a clear example of the DPD leveraging modern solutions to tackle persistent public safety issues, but it also highlights the ongoing balance between enforcement, technology, and public acceptance.

Community Policing, Problem Solving, and Public Challenges

The DPD’s mission extends beyond traditional law enforcement, incorporating community-focused programs and facing scrutiny over high-profile incidents that test the relationship between officers and the public.

Crime Statistics and the Need for Intervention

Public safety statistics remain a major area of focus for the Durango Police Department. The DPD's annual report for 2024 is available to the public, providing transparency on police activity and crime-related statistics. While the department is committed to transparency, the data often paints a challenging picture. For example, some analyses indicate that the rate of violent crime in Durango is significantly higher than the average US city, with the city ranking in a low percentile for overall safety.

These statistics underscore the necessity for the DPD’s proactive and specialized programs aimed at reducing crime and recidivism. The department is actively working to better serve the public through a comprehensive understanding of crime types and patterns.

The Success of the Problem Solving Court Program

In an effort to address the root causes of crime and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system, the Durango Police Department is a key partner in the Problem Solving Court program. The city recently celebrated the first graduates of this court, which focuses on providing intervention and support for individuals struggling with issues like substance abuse or mental health, rather than simply incarceration. This initiative is a core component of the DPD’s community policing concept, emphasizing rehabilitation and long-term problem-solving over punitive measures.

Navigating High-Profile Incidents and Public Scrutiny

The Durango Police Department has recently been in the news for several high-profile and sensitive incidents, demonstrating the complex environment in which officers operate. In late 2025, the DPD released an update on a fatal shooting incident, showcasing the investigative demands on the department. Furthermore, the department faced public condemnation and protests related to a supposed incident, as well as responding to an ICE arrest of a family in the area. These events highlight the critical need for the new leadership to maintain open lines of communication with the community and uphold a commitment to accountability and transparency.

The Future of Policing in Durango, Colorado

The Durango Police Department is clearly at a crossroads. With new leadership in Chief Brice Current and Deputy Chief Chris Gonzalez, a modern facility on the horizon, and the deployment of new crime-fighting technology like the Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras, the department is poised for a significant operational shift. The focus remains on improving public safety in Durango, CO, managing the challenging crime statistics, and fostering trust through community-oriented programs like the Problem Solving Court. As the city continues to grow, the DPD's success will be measured not only by a reduction in crime but also by its ability to engage with and respond to the diverse needs of the La Plata County community.

5 Major Changes Reshaping the Durango Police Department in 2025: New Leadership, Controversial Tech, and a New Home
durango police department durango co
durango police department durango co

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