The town of Georgetown, located about an hour west of Denver, is facing a law enforcement crisis after the resignation of all its police officers in the wake of a fatal shooting incident involving 22-year-old Christian Glass. Two Georgetown officers were charged with failing to intervene in the excessive use of force by another officer, leading to a complete shutdown of the police department.
In response to this emergency situation, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office has stepped in to provide temporary law enforcement services for the town. This decision was made after Georgetown officials reached out to the sheriff’s office for assistance until new police officers can be hired or a long-term agreement with an outside agency can be established.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is also taking over law enforcement duties in Morrison, another small town facing financial concerns that resulted in the closure of its police department in 2025. With these recent developments, both towns are relying on neighboring sheriff’s offices to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.
Under the new intergovernmental agreement between Georgetown and the Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office, deputies will patrol the town three days a week for a total of 18 hours. They will respond to 911 calls, enforce state laws, town ordinances, and traffic codes, as well as handle incident reports, sex offender registrations, and body camera footage. However, they will not be responsible for enforcing building codes, fire codes, plumbing codes, or electrical codes in the town.
Sheriff Matthew Harris emphasized the commitment of the sheriff’s office to prioritize public service and safety in providing support to local communities in need. The temporary agreement is set to expire on May 1, 2025, with a review scheduled for February 1, 2025, to assess the effectiveness of the coverage and determine whether to extend or terminate the partnership.
In light of these developments, it is essential for communities to work together and support each other in times of need to ensure the well-being and security of residents and visitors. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies in addressing staffing shortages and maintaining public safety highlights the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming challenges and safeguarding communities.
