The Town of Bennett is set to embark on a strategic shift in law enforcement services as it transitions its law enforcement contract to ensure complete safety services coverage for our residents.
The Town of Bennett is currently working on options including to expand its relationship with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office to extend their area of service to encompass all of incorporated Bennett.
After working in good faith with the Adams County Sherriff’s Office on a renewed contract agreement for services in 2024, the Town of Bennett Board of Trustees will not proceed due to an impasse in budget and resource negotiations.
The Town of Bennett anticipates the Adams County Sheriff’s Office will fulfill its obligation to continue to service the Town of Bennett residents as Adams County taxpayers and will work with the Town toward a smooth transition.
Residents can expect continued emergency safety services throughout this transition process. The Town of Bennett is committed to keeping the Town a safe community for each and every one of our valued neighbors.
This transition plan is being conducted with careful consideration and regular updates on service will be provided to keep all residents informed.
More information and updates regarding the Town’s safety services will be shared as it becomes available.
Update January 11, 2024 - 2:00 p.m.
The Adams County Sheriff's Office is committed to this process, please see the release from the Adams County Sheriff's Office.
A Statement from Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
We currently have an existing relationship with the Town of Bennett, due to the fact that the Town is split between Arapahoe and Adams County. The Town did approach us and asked us what it would look like to provide law enforcement contract services for the entire incorporated areas of Bennett. We are still in talks with them, but if asked, we will provide the same level of service to the Town of Bennett as we do to all the cities and towns in our county which have contracted law enforcement services.
- FAQs
Why is the town not renewing its contract with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office?
The Town of Bennett is not moving forward with a contract with the Adams County Sheriff due to failed negotiations coming down to a dramatic increase in budget request from the Sheriff’s office. The Town budgeted for a six percent increase and the Sheriff was unwilling to negotiate any lower than a 26% increase for 2024.
What caused negotiations to fail?
The Town attempted to begin contract negotiations in July 2023. They received no response from the Sheriff until November 2023 when the Sheriff presented a contract with a 26% increase for the following year. After attempts to negotiate the Town was advised to find other options for safety services in 2024.Will coverage be interrupted?
No the Adams County Sheriff will continue to respond to emergency situations and the Town is currently working with Arapahoe County Sheriff’s office to expand their services to encompass all of incorporated Bennett. The Town also works with Colorado State Patrol to provide patrolling services and coverages for crashes and other incidents.
When does the contract expire?
The contract expired December 31, 2023.
Why didn’t negotiations take place earlier in the year?
The Town attempted to begin contract negotiations in July 2023. They received no response from the Sheriff until November 2023 when the Sheriff presented a contract with a 26% increase for the following year.
Based on growth, did the Town of Bennett budget for an increase to the contract?
Yes. The Town of Bennett budgeted for a 6% percent increase to the annual contract for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office based on the 6% increase to calls for service for Q3 according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office department report.
Will Arapahoe County Sherriff provide the same level of service?
The Town is currently working on negotiating with the Arapahoe County Sheriff to provide the same level of service to Bennett residents.
What is the timing for transferring the contract?
This is a priority for the Town of Bennett Staff and Trustees. Information will be shared once an updated IGA is complete between the Town of Bennett and Arapahoe County Sheriff.
As Adams County taxpayers, doesn’t that obligate us to get safety services from Adams county?
As Adams County taxpayers, Bennett residents are entitled to a certain level of service from the Adams County Sheriff just like everyone in the unincorporated parts of Adams County. But, as a municipality we also have the ability to seek more services by creating our own police department or by contracting for such services with other law enforcement agencies.
How confident are you that we will continue to have services during the negotiations?
Bennett is committed to keeping the Town a safe community for each and every one of our valued neighbors and is confident they will have a smooth transition of safety services moving forward.