The Sheriff of Pitkin County employs 25 sworn Peace Officers dedicated to the patrol function of a geographic area that is approximately 1,000 square miles, or roughly the size of the State of Rhode Island. Much of it is mountainous and contiguous with National Forest and Wilderness lands.
Deputies perform the universal law enforcement functions such as pro-active neighborhood patrol, traffic enforcement, response to crimes in progress, initial investigation of crime scenes and response to mass casualty accidents. Additional responsibilities with a Colorado mountain flair such as search and rescue, wildfire mitigation, response to snow emergencies, avalanches/landslides, floods, river accidents and mining accidents round out a varied, challenging and rewarding employment.
Blessed with a relatively peaceful community, crimes of violence receive special attention when they do occur.
Sheriff's Deputies are trained initially at one of the state law enforcement training academies and receive certification as a Colorado Peace Officer. Patrol Deputies are also trained in American Heart Association CPR and First Aid. All Deputies are well versed in the Incident Command System and have various levels of training and specialized certifications.