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Sheriff Candidates Clash on Jefferson County's Future

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 8:56 GMT by WIAT Birmingham
      Locales: Colorado, UNITED STATES

Jefferson County, February 20, 2026 - The recent candidate forum hosted by the Greater Golden Eagle Area Chamber of Commerce offered a glimpse into the differing visions for the future of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. While Sheriff-elect Mark Pettit is already slated to take office, the presence of challengers Mike Johnson and write-in candidate Brian Schoon underscores a continued debate about the direction of law enforcement in the county. This article expands on the key themes raised during the forum, exploring the challenges and opportunities facing the Sheriff's Office and the implications of each candidate's approach.

The Push for Community Policing vs. Traditional Law Enforcement

Sheriff-elect Pettit's emphasis on community policing isn't a new concept, but it's gaining traction nationally as departments re-evaluate their strategies. This approach prioritizes building trust and positive relationships with residents, believing that strong community ties are crucial for effective crime prevention. It relies heavily on deputies being visible, approachable, and actively engaged in community events. Critics, like challenger Johnson, view this as a departure from what they deem 'traditional law enforcement' - a more reactive, enforcement-focused model concentrating on rapid response to crime and aggressive patrolling of identified hotspots. The core of the disagreement lies in preventative versus responsive strategies. While Johnson's approach may yield immediate results in reducing visible crime, it risks alienating communities and hindering long-term crime reduction efforts. The success of community policing hinges on consistent engagement and resource allocation, potentially requiring a shift in budget priorities.

Staffing Crisis and Deputy Retention: A County-Wide Concern

Pettit rightly identified staffing levels as a significant concern. Jefferson County, like many rural and suburban areas, is facing a growing shortage of qualified law enforcement candidates. This isn't simply a recruitment issue; retention is proving equally challenging. Contributing factors include competitive salaries offered by larger metropolitan police departments, the increasing demands and stresses of the job, and a national narrative that often casts law enforcement in a negative light. The Sheriff's Office needs to explore innovative solutions, such as offering robust mental health support, increased training opportunities, and competitive benefits packages to attract and keep deputies. Schoon's call for increased professional development aligns with this need; investing in deputies' skills not only enhances their effectiveness but also demonstrates a commitment to their well-being and career progression.

The Opioid Crisis and Emerging Threats: Beyond Reactive Responses

The opioid crisis remains a persistent and devastating issue in Jefferson County. Schoon's focus on collaboration and innovation is particularly relevant in addressing this complex problem. Traditional law enforcement tactics alone have proven insufficient. A comprehensive approach requires partnerships with healthcare providers, social services agencies, and community organizations to provide treatment, prevention, and harm reduction programs. Furthermore, the Sheriff's Office must adapt to emerging threats, including cybercrime and the increasing sophistication of criminal organizations. Investing in technology and specialized training is crucial, but it must be balanced with the need for community-oriented policing.

Mental Health Calls: A Growing Demand for Specialized Training

The candidates also touched upon the increasing number of mental health-related calls received by the Sheriff's Office. Deputies are often the first responders to these situations, requiring them to possess specialized training in de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and mental health awareness. Simply relying on existing resources isn't enough. The Sheriff's Office should explore partnerships with mental health professionals to provide co-response teams, where a trained mental health professional accompanies a deputy on calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This ensures that individuals receive appropriate care and reduces the risk of escalation or unnecessary use of force.

Transparency and Accountability: Building Public Trust Pettit's commitment to transparency and accountability is vital. In an era of heightened scrutiny, public trust in law enforcement is paramount. This requires open communication, access to information, and a willingness to address concerns and complaints. Body-worn cameras, while not a panacea, can enhance transparency and provide valuable evidence in investigations. However, clear policies regarding the use of body-worn cameras and access to footage are essential to protect privacy and ensure accountability.

The future of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office hinges on finding the right balance between tradition and innovation, proactive policing and community engagement, and effective law enforcement and compassionate service. While Pettit is set to lead, the continued dialogue sparked by Johnson and Schoon highlights the ongoing need for critical evaluation and adaptation within the department.