Denver Police have been clearing people experiencing homelessness from the area surrounding the former DoubleTree Hotel at 4040 Quebec, according to Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND). The group has released several videos showing individuals being told to move or face arrest, though many videos avoid showing faces or using names to protect people from possible retaliation.
In one video, Michael Jensen shared his experience near the DoubleTree three weeks ago. He said he left his cart containing personal belongings to find a bathroom, but city workers seized it while he was gone. “I hate to say this, but I went for a bathroom break, which they don’t have any porta potties around here,” Jensen explained. He said police announced over a squad car loudspeaker, “Don’t touch,” referring to his cart, which contained a tarp and other essential items.
No Place to Stand or Sit Near DoubleTree
Another individual told HAND that non-residents are not allowed to stand on DoubleTree property, now operated as a city-run homeless hotel. “Where are we supposed to stand, in the middle of the road?” the person asked. They added that police require people to remove their belongings from shopping carts, forcing them to carry items in their arms. According to them, carts are considered stolen property, so police seize and discard them.
One woman said police often chase her from multiple locations during the night. “There is nowhere to go,” she explained. She said officers tell people to go into shelters like the DoubleTree or Best Western, both owned by the city, but entry requires a case manager and approval. “You can’t just walk up in there,” she said. “Do you think if we could walk up in there we’d be sleeping on the sidewalk?”
Police Honk Horns, Flash Lights During Sweeps
A woman in another HAND video said her encampment near 22nd and Stout is cleared almost daily—around 6 a.m. and again between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. “They just start grabbing our stuff and throwing it away without saying anything,” she claimed. She added that officers “smirk and laugh” as they sweep the area.
“They’re running names and pretty much acting like bullies; they’re honking horns and flashing lights when we don’t move as quickly as they want us to,” she said.
Police Say Enforcement Policies Haven’t Changed
In an email, the Denver Police Department (DPD) said its approach to clearing encampments remains the same. “In general, DPD works to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with services and begins interactions by providing information about available resources,” the statement read. Officers typically issue verbal warnings for violations of the city’s unauthorized camping ordinance. Most people comply, avoiding written warnings or citations. However, individuals on private property without permission can be cited for trespassing at any time.
DPD also provided a link to the camping ordinance, which prohibits items such as tents and sleeping bags on both public and private property.
Terese Howard of HAND said police enforcement appears to be increasing. “Yes, police are ramping up enforcement,” she said in a statement. “They have been since January 2024. While I haven’t analyzed this year’s data yet, from observation, enforcement feels as high as last year. In areas like Lincoln Park, it’s ramped up heavily, and they’ve swept everyone out.”
One camper at 22nd and Stout described police behavior as “really disrespectful,” saying, “This sh*t’s got to stop.” Another man said officers don’t allow tarps during rain or blankets in cold weather. He also claimed police strip-searched him at the station after accusing him of selling drugs, but no evidence was found. He said a district attorney’s representative later apologized for the incident.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
Leave a Reply