The small town of Morrison, Colorado nestled in the Denver metro area's western enclave is preparing for a major shift in its policing. Mayor Sean Forey has announced that the town will be shutting down its local police department in a move driven largely by financial constraints. The town's nine police officers will face layoffs as a result. Starting January 1st, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) will take over patrolling duties in Morrison full-time, as reported by CBS News Colorado.
According to Denver7, Sheriff Jeff Shrader of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has noted that Morrison typically averages 1.5 service calls every 24 hours, a figure that has room under the workload of JCSO deputies. "That is not that much of an increase on the sheriff's office," Marinelli said. "Reality is, our deputies can get there rather quickly... It all depends on the day. It all depends on the crime rate or the calls that are going on that day. There is no way to ever say how long it's going to take us to get on scene."
As the police department dissolves, the town is preparing severance packages for the affected officers. While JCSO won't be directly absorbing these officers, there are opportunities at the sheriff's office which layoffs individuals are invited to apply for. The transition period officially beginning with the new year is eyed by many as a practical solution to Morrison's economic strain, yet carries the weight of concern for the municipal workforce it displaces.
