Art Around the Rock

Murals help prevent crime

A mural of the silhouette of 2 girls holding hands and walking a dogAnyone who has hiked under the bridge along East Plum Creek Trail near the train tracks has probably noticed the underpass has been painted with a nature-themed mural. Under the bridge near Douglas County High School, another mural shows off Husky school spirit. The murals are part of Art Around the Rock, originally a 2014 effort by Castle Rock Police.

Working together

The idea is part law enforcement science and part creativity. Officially called Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, the theory is police officers, planners, architects, and the community can work together to prevent crime at the start of a project. By creating something that positively impacts human behavior, such as painting murals on bridges, crime can be deterred.

Participate

Ideas for mural artwork go through an approval process. The program not only needs artists but also supplies and volunteers. Individuals or groups interested in helping with Art Around the Rock can contact Officer Seth Morrissey at 303-663-6159 or by email.