Our goal is to do regular updates as things change and keep the community involved as we continue to move forward in the hiring process.

Q: What is the status of rebuilding the police department vs a Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) takeover?

At the September 20 BOT meeting, both options were discussed. The Board of Trustees gave direction to staff to continue our commitment to rebuilding the local police department.

Q: What police coverage do we currently have?

When available, BCSO is providing coverage through extra duty daytime officers. BCSO responds to all Priority 1 calls even when a patrol officer is not assigned to Nederland. We continue to have BCSO coverage at night according to the Intergovernmental Agreement for Law Enforcement Services.

Q: How many officers are needed for a local police department?

A total of five officers are needed to staff the department. This includes one marshal, one sergeant, and three police officers. In addition, the Town will continue to have one full-time police/ court clerk.

Q: What is being done to recruit and retain officers?

All wages have been increased by 18%-34%, depending on the position. This makes our wages more competitive with nearby police departments.

We have stepped-up our recruitment efforts. We are getting support from the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police. Open positions are posted on multiple platforms, including The Mountain-Ear, Indeed, LinkedIn, Governmentjobs.com, and the Town Website. As of Tuesday, September 27, we had 56 applications for the police officer, sergeant, and marshal positions.

Q: How will the community be involved in the interview process for the marshal?

The BOT will interview the top candidates. The public will then be invited to a meet and greet with the top candidates. Based on the BOT interviews and input from the public, the BOT will choose the best candidate for marshal.

Q: What is being done to increase funding for the Nederland Police Department?

The town has placed three ballot measures on the November ballot to increase sales tax, marijuana tax, and occupation tax.

Q: Are there plans for a Boulder County Sheriff’s office takeover of the Nederland Police Department?

Currently we are focused on rebuilding the local police department. There is an option for BCSO to take over policing in Nederland if we are unable to adequately staff and fund the local police department.

Q: What is community-oriented policing?

Community-oriented policing helps enhance the trust of the public in the police and other law enforcement agencies. Community-oriented policing not only strengthens the bond between police and the community but also enhances public confidence and community cooperation and the effectiveness and efficiency of police and other law enforcement agencies to protect life, properties, and human rights

Q: How can community members help?

• Be supportive of the Ned PD and

BCSO officers as we rebuild the local police department.

• Get the word out that we are hiring.

• Support the increase in funding for the police department.

• Let the Board of Trustees know what you would like to see in a local police department.

We welcome your comments, questions, and concerns. These can be sent directly to the Town Administrator and/or the Board of Trustees.