Gilpin County Sheriff Kevin Armstrong reported on March 15, 2022, to the Gilpin County Board of Commissioners that his office is getting busy. They have seen an increase in the number of calls, and in victim services, an increase in the number of people they are assisting.

The Department had 2,681 calls in January. The Department has 57 total bookings, which was an uptick in January, increasing as gaming opens. The 57 arrests were compared to 14 arrests in the previous year. Traffic Summonses issued included 17 for speeding, illegal passing, DUI, and driving under restraint.

Gilpin County Animal Rescue (GCART) assisted Grand County with the removal of several horses in an Animal Cruelty case. The Department also saw an increase in fraud cases this month.

The daily population in the jail is at 34.6, a significant increase. Jail inmates are near the 35 number, which is critical. The jail has a contract for medical services, but as the number of inmates increases inside the jail, all services increase: bedding, blankets, and the whole works. The jail is getting busier and busier, which also affects jail meals.

The patrol responded to a significant increase in calls. Calls were steady for the most part. The Department has also been assisting other agencies.

Gaming-related calls have been fairly steady. Armstrong said that more people in Black Hawk, the gaming communities, and in their own subdivisions and communities, have contributed to the increase.

The Sheriff’s Department arrested two men for burglary at 1 a.m. one early morning. Crimes have been bleeding over from Central City or Black Hawk, and have been branching out into the communities. Cars have been broken into, especially since so many people leave them unlocked.

The Department is still recovering from the COVID-19 shutdown. Business for the casino industry is now wide open, bringing the criminal element into the casino district, Armstrong said.

He is hoping the community will help the office. “If you see something, say something,” he pleads, “and call dispatch, at 303-582-5500 for the nonemergency. For an emergency, call 911. For information, go to https://www.gilpincountysheriff.com/