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Under sheriff reports drop in key crimes, fentanyl seizure and Narcan incidents in 2024
Summary
Jefferson County Under Sheriff Scott Eddy told the board the sheriff’s office used license-plate-reading cameras in 238 investigations in 2024, aided arrest efforts, saw a 33% drop in Narcan incidents at the detention facility and reported a major fentanyl seizure by the West Metro Drug Task Force.
Under Sheriff Scott Eddy told the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 28 that the sheriff’s office used automated license-plate readers and related regional data systems in 238 cases in 2024 and that information contributed to more than two dozen arrests.
Eddy said the department used the system in a range of investigations including welfare checks and a kidnapping case. He also highlighted cooperation with the county clerk and recorder to arrange in-facility voting booths that allowed approximately 25 people to vote during an eight-hour period.
Why it matters: The sheriff’s office framed the technology and programs as tools to support investigations and community services while noting efforts to maintain accreditation and staffing.
Key points from the under sheriff’s report - Automated license-plate reader usage: 238 cases in 2024; system assisted in arrests and other investigations. - Major drug enforcement action: A West Metro Drug Task Force case led to seizure of approximately 3,369 grams of fentanyl pills, 503 grams of methamphetamine, 65 grams of cocaine, cash and multiple firearms. Multiple arrests were made in that trafficking investigation. - Detention facility trends: Narcan incidents in the detention facility declined by nearly 33 percent in 2024; the office attributed the reduction to improved searches, body scans and intake screening. - Amnesty box at booking: An amnesty box introduced in 2024 collected 71 contraband items that never entered the facility. - Accreditation and training: The sheriff’s office completed a CALEA reaccreditation assessment covering 462 standards and reported eight graduates from its POST-certified academy program in December. - Notable investigations: Investigators solved the December 2023 Crown Hill Cemetery crypt theft and returned the remains to the family’s crypt in December 2024, Eddy said. - Staffing: The sheriff’s office reported being at about 93% of desired staffing levels and is pursuing recruitment strategies to raise sworn and professional staffing numbers.
Board response and follow-up: Commissioners praised the department’s work. Commissioner Zenzinger said she is working with state legislators and the City of Golden on a memorial highway designation for State Highway 58 for Officer Evan Dunn, who died in the line of duty; she said CDOT and Golden had been collaborating on the designation. Commissioner Kerr noted the City of Golden had committed to funding signage and related work.
Ending: Eddy said several crime categories were down in the fourth quarter, including motor-vehicle theft and theft from motor vehicle, resulting in a five-year low for those offenses in the quarter; the board thanked the sheriff’s office for its work.
