The Sheriff of Pitkin County employs 16 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
contiguouswith 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 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 as Emergency Medical Technicians. All Deputies are well versed in the
Incident Command System and have various levels of training and specialized
certifications.
