Steamboat Springs Police are investigating a report made about a nonconsensual drink-drugging at Schmiggity's Live Music and Dance Bar, and say they "have been made aware" of recent social media posts about the allegedly recurring issue, according to a news release.
According to police Sgt. Evan Noble, the issue is not new to Steamboat Springs, but police are taking steps to help improve safety at local bars, in response to community concerns.
"We're increasing our officer presence out there in the bars," said Noble. "Don't be surprised if when you're out at the bar having fun, you see a couple of officers walk through to see how things are going."
Recent social media posts regarding the issue specifically call out Schmiggity's as a hot-spot for drink drugging.
Schmiggity's posted a statement on social media after many people publicly shared mentions of their drink-drugging experiences at the venue.
"For the past five years, we have taken serious measures towards creating a safe and secure venue with knowledgeable staff ... we implement these measures every night," reads the statement. "We deeply care about our community and are a long-time local family-owned and operated business."
Kim Haggarty, owner of Schmiggity's, wants the community to know that staff members take drink-drugging allegations seriously and actively take the necessary steps to keep customers safe.
Haggarty added that the controversy surrounding her business is "hurtful."
"We're very close-knit," said Haggarty. "My staff is very upset. They put their heart and soul into this business."
Although many people have voiced concerns about safety at Schmiggity's, Noble clarified that the issue is seen at establishments citywide.
"We can't specifically say it's only happening at one place and not happening at other places," said Noble. "I would be hesitant to say this is a specific establishment's problem."
Despite the familiarity in the community related to drink-drugging at local bars, Noble said official reports are rare.
According to Noble, there are many reasons for a lack of reporting, but he believes one of the reasons is because people think police cannot help.
Noble made it clear that nonconsensual drugging is a felony assault charge and the "police department takes this stuff very seriously."
"We can't necessarily determine why people don't report these things," said Noble. "But if someone feels like this has happened to them or someone they know, report it to us."
According to Julia Lowenthal, program director of COMMA Projects, a local nonprofit that offers programs for people dealing with abuse and assault, many victims feel intimidated by reporting a drink-drugging incident to police and would rather seek help privately.
"Many people have a fear of not being believed, or need time and space to process what they've been through before they're ready to speak about it to anyone else, let alone report it to police," said Lowenthal.
Lowenthal also stated that some victims of drink-drugging don't realize what happened until the next day when the drugs have left their bloodstream.
If someone believes they may have been drugged, police advise they immediately go to the emergency room to receive care and take a drug test.
According to Noble, many of the drugs commonly used in these incidents are quickly metabolized out of the bloodstream. Taking a drug test as soon as possible increases the chances of identifying the substance, which can help the investigation once the incident is reported.
Noble added that providing a small amount of the drugged drink to investigators is also a good way to ensure an accurate drug test.
However, if someone feels that they have been previously drugged and did not immediately get a drug test, the police still want them to make a report.
To stay safe while at local bars, Noble urges patrons to be around people who they trust and to watch out for each other.
"Make sure you're watching your drink," said Noble. "Don't leave it unattended ... Be hesitant if someone brings you a drink and you don't know who that person is. You don't know what's in it."
Better Tomorrow, the local nonprofit that operates organizations such as Advocates of Routt County and the COMMA Project, responded to the drugging report and community concerns in a news release, stating the organization "admires the community's robust and supportive response."
The organization added that it works with bars and restaurants through an initiative called "Good Night Out" to create safer nightlife environments through staff training and raising awareness.
"The nightlife in Steamboat is important to a lot of people," said Mark Fitzgerald, program director of Better Tomorrow. "We're not going to keep people from going out, but we want to keep people safe if they do choose to go out."
Advocates of Routt County and COMMA will host two community forums, inviting attendees to share their experiences regarding drink-drugging and community-based solutions.
Fitzgerald also stated that police have not been invited to the event so community members can perhaps feel more comfortable in sharing personal stories without making a formal statement.
Anyone who does not want to share their experience publicly can speak to an Advocate through "informal drop-in opportunities at various locations where community concerns may be shared in a more private setting," says the Better Tomorrow news release.
"Our intention is to receive this information, consume it and come back to the community with a proposal with what the next steps will look like," said Fitzgerald.
The events are scheduled for noon and 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Dusky Grouse Coffee, 1585 Mid Valley Drive.
Better Tomorrow added that anyone dealing with the effects of drink-drugging can reach out to the Advocates of Routt County 24/7 Safe Line, which is confidential and run by trained Advocates staff and volunteers.