Cherokee Blake, Gilpin County.  At a Special Council Meeting on Friday, February 26, 2016, a Resolution for a Memoradum of Understanding (MOU)  between the City of Central (City) and the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) for the provision of assistance with law enforcement services was approved.

City Manager, Daniel Miera, stated, “Despite continued efforts over the years, adequately staffing and operating a “24-7” program continues to be extremely challenging for the Police Department. In light of pre-existing and recent staffing issues, and the seriousness of our situation, our City Council met and discussed possible interim solutions to our staffing situation.  As a result, staff for the City was asked by City Council to explore the possibilities of securing assistance from the sheriff’s office (Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office) and the police department (Black Hawk Police Department). Although both agencies generously offered their assistance, the sheriff’s office was able to commit to providing the needed services to the City through a formal Agreement.”

Miera said, “This MOU is not the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that was discussed recently at our Town Hall meetings. That document has not been presented to the City Council and County Commission, and in fact, it has not been drafted yet; thus, no decision has been made.

However, the process of developing that proposed IGA is still in progress. Once a draft is ready for presentation to the Council and Commission, we will provide adequate notice and distribution of the document.”

Sheriff Bruce Hartman stated, “The MOU says that the City Manager is authorized to coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office to ensure that adequate law enforcement coverage is available to the residents and business owners within the City. That’s why we are here. It’s all about the citizens and business owners and making sure we jointly provide them with the best service we can. We are all on the same team and we all have the same priority, ensuring the safety and well-being of those we serve.”

Both agencies say there will be no changes to the dispatch and 911 services currently provided for the City, and all administrative and daytime operations of the Central City Police Department will remain as they are.