BENNETT, Colo. — Beginning in about a month, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office will assume law enforcement duties for the entire town of Bennett.
The County Commissioners and Bennett Trustees approved a contract Tuesday that will take effect May 1. The agreement provides patrol duties and corresponding investigative and supervisory support for the town of 3,500 residents.
Historically, the Sheriff’s Office has only provided services for the part of the town that's located within Arapahoe County. Bennett is in both Arapahoe and Adams counties, and the Adams County Sheriff's Office covered the portions within their county until earlier this year.
On March 1, the contract between the Adams County Sheriff's Office and the Town of Bennett expired. Since then, Adams County deputies have only been responding to emergency calls. All other complaints and non-emergencies went to the Board of Trustees and town staff.
According to Bennett, contract negotiations with Adams County fell through because of a lack of communication and the sheriff's request to increase the budget by 26%. The town said it budgeted for a 6% increase based on a 6% quarterly increase in calls for service.
Starting May 1, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office will have two full-time deputies and a part-time detective assigned to Bennett. Their agreement allows for the addition of staff and resources as needed.
Arapahoe County will invoice the town for services at an annual base rate of $502,129, which includes all salaries, benefits, equipment, and other direct and indirect costs. In consultation with town trustees, the sheriff will determine a service schedule for coverage hours and days. Residents will have 24/7 access to the sheriff’s 911 communication center for emergencies and dispatch as needed.
The town can still enforce and issue summons for violations of the Bennett Municipal Code through its community services officers.
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