CSPD conducts massage business licensing inspections

During July and August 2026, detectives assigned to the Colorado Springs Police Department's (CSPD) Metro and Investigations divisions conducted 18 massage business licensing inspections throughout Colorado Springs and unincorporated areas of El Paso County. Both CSPD divisions include detectives from CSPD and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

The inspections assessed compliance with City and State massage licensing laws. Businesses were selected based on community tips and other information indicating they might not be operating as legitimate massage businesses.

Of the 18 businesses inspected:

• Five were in full compliance.
• Three were operating without a license.
• Ten were licensed but not in full compliance with licensing requirements.

CSPD cited 15 misdemeanor violations, including failing to display a license, having an unlicensed massage therapist on the premises, and allowing employees to live on the premises. As with all criminal matters, any person cited is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

CSPD will work with the City's licensing office to bring businesses into compliance or pursue the removal of licenses when appropriate. Detectives will also continue conducting random licensing inspections.

"While there are massage businesses in our community that are legitimate and law-abiding, we must hold accountable those that operate illegally or fail to meet licensing requirements," said CSPD Chief Adrian Vasquez. "These inspections help bring businesses into compliance while allowing our detectives to identify criminal activity that might otherwise remain hidden. We appreciate the responsible business owners who follow the law and help protect their employees, customers and our community."

"Criminals who exploit legitimate businesses and prey upon vulnerable individuals have no place in our community," said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. "Our agencies share a responsibility to protect victims, disrupt criminal activity, and ensure those who violate the law are held accountable. The strength of our partnership with the Colorado Springs Police Department allows us to combine our resources and expertise to address these concerns effectively and keep our communities safe."

The massage business licensing ordinance gives law enforcement an efficient way to assess businesses that may display indicators of prostitution, human trafficking, or labor trafficking. Licensing inspections help identify businesses that are not following industry standards while allowing detectives to screen for possible criminal activity.

Massage businesses are only one of many industries in which unlawful commercial sexual activity, human trafficking, or labor trafficking may occur. CSPD investigates all reports of human trafficking and continues to pursue proactive methods of uncovering crimes that often go unseen or unreported

CSPD encourages all massage business owners and operators to contact the City's licensing office to confirm that they remain in full compliance with applicable requirements.

Anyone wishing to report suspected sex or labor trafficking, or any victim seeking assistance, can call CSPD's non-emergency line at 719-444-7000. Anonymous reports may be made to Colorado's Human Trafficking Hotline at 866-455-5075 by phone or 720-999-9724 by text.