Sheriff reports higher staffing, lower jail revenue from U.S. Marshals contract; outlines training and policy work

Sheriff Matt Harris told the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 4 that the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office had made progress in recruitment and policy work while facing a structural drop in revenue from the U.S. Marshals inmate contract.

Harris said the office is nearing full staffing for sworn positions, rising to 44 sworn deputies by the following week from 33 a year earlier, and that policy implementation under Lexipol is about 85% complete with an expected finish in two to three months. He listed recent trainings the office has completed, including CPR, field sobriety, taser and less-lethal training.

On jail operations, Harris said the average daily population in 2024 was 38 inmates with an average length of stay of 21 days and that, on the day of the meeting, 35 inmates were in custody, 18 of whom were U.S. Marshals inmates. He said revenue from the Marshal contract accounted for $1.27 million in 2019 but had fallen to roughly $318,000 in 2024 — a decline that decreased the contract's share of operating-cost coverage from about 70% to about 14% and increased pressure on the county general fund.

Harris identified potential non-tax revenue sources the office is studying — commissary, U.S. Marshals contracting, and traffic enforcement — and reported $46,000 in ticket/fine revenue in January tied largely to traffic enforcement (602 traffic-related calls in January; 1,529 calls for service total). He said that some federal contract opportunities could help offset jail operating costs but noted past liabilities when the county used certain contracts.

Harris also described the volume of records and body-worn camera footage: about 9,500 BWC records captured in 2024, roughly 2,900 public records released and more than 350 records requests fulfilled. He said the office will prepare an annual report for 2024 and a three- to five-year strategic plan; the emergency operations center will be assessed and the office will improve statistical and record-keeping systems.

Commissioners asked questions about revenue potential, liability and the risks of expanding contracts; one commissioner said the board has long sought non-tax revenue and suggested limited additional potential. Harris said improved revenues from contracts historically helped cover substantial portions of operating costs but cautioned that returning to prior contract levels is uncertain.

Ending: Harris proposed a citizens academy in 2025 as a community outreach tool. He also thanked county HR and staff for aiding recruitment. Commissioners thanked him for the update and asked staff to pursue revenue and liability analyses as part of ongoing budget discussions.