Arapahoe County backs grant application for witness-protection specialist
Commissioners supported the district attorney’s office request to seek a Byrne grant for a temporary witness-protection specialist and equipment for high-risk cases.
Arapahoe County commissioners backed the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office request to apply for an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant that would fund a witness-protection specialist and equipment for high-risk cases.
According to the county’s July 6 study-session agenda and meeting record, commissioners said the application had to be filed by July 10 and agreed to let the county proceed.
The district attorney’s office said the request would pay for a dedicated witness-protection and victim-advocate specialist, along with secure communications devices, ballistic protection, counter-surveillance equipment, training and open-source intelligence software. Staff said the added capacity would support cases involving human trafficking, domestic violence, gang violence and homicides.
The meeting summary says the county’s 2026 budget already includes $30,000 for witness-protection resources. Officials described the grant-funded position as temporary unless it is later added to the county budget.
The public meeting record does not state the dollar amount of the grant request or whether a county match would be required.