Our History
Our Story of Service
In 2025, the Lone Tree Police Department (LTPD) proudly celebrated 20 years of service to the community. While the City of Lone Tree was incorporated in 1995, the Police Department was officially established a decade later, assuming full public safety responsibilities on January 1, 2005.
At midnight that day, with a resident population of approximately 8,000, Lone Tree transitioned law enforcement services from Douglas County to its own Police Department marking a significant milestone in the City’s growth and independence.
The Early Years
When the Lone Tree Police Department began operations in 2005, the department consisted of 22 sworn police officers, a records technician, and an animal control employee. The department’s first arrest occurred in the early morning hours of January 1, 2005, involving a motorist driving under the influence. That moment marked the beginning of a two-decade tradition of professional, responsive, and community-focused policing.
Growth Alongside the Community
Over the past 20 years, the Lone Tree Police Department has grown alongside a rapidly expanding community. Today, Lone Tree has a resident population of approximately 15,000 people with a daytime population of nearly 45,000.
To meet these evolving needs, the department has expanded to include:
- 60 Sworn police officers
- Six Records technicians
- Community Safety Officers (CSOs)
- Victim advocates
- Volunteers in Police Services (VIPs)
- Animal control
By the Numbers
The department’s growth is reflected in its increasing service activity:
2005
- 2,446 case reports
- Most common incidents: traffic accidents and theft
2024
- 4,420 case reports
- Over 72,000 calls for service
Looking Ahead: The Lone Tree Justice Center
The Lone Tree Police Department is entering an exciting new chapter with the development of the Lone Tree Justice Center, located on the east side of I-25 within the RidgeGate development, and will house both the Police Department and Municipal Court. A grand opening is planned for the fall 2026. The new facility will support modern policing needs while enhancing service delivery to the community.