Morrison, a small tourist town in Colorado with a population of around 400 residents, will no longer have its own police force starting next year.
Instead, the town will contract with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for round-the-clock law enforcement services.
This decision comes as part of the town’s 2025 budget to address financial concerns.
Dissolution of Morrison's Police Department
The Morrison Police Department, which consists of 9 full-time and 8 part-time officers, is being disbanded due to budgetary issues.
This move is expected to save the town more than $1 million annually.
The officers will lose their jobs by the end of this month, though they have the option to apply for deputy positions with Jefferson County.
The town’s leaders have set aside a $300,000 severance fund for departing officers as a transition measure.
New Law Enforcement Agreement
Starting January 1, Jefferson County will take over the town’s law enforcement services.
The one-year contract, which will be reviewed later, aims to streamline the transition.
Jefferson County deputies will be based out of the south substation in Ken Caryl, which is the closest location for quick response times.
This shift follows several years of collaboration where Jefferson County deputies provided overnight services to the town.
Impact on the Community
The decision to close the Morrison Police Department is part of the town’s 2025 budget plan, which aims to redirect funds more effectively.
Town leaders are working quickly to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangement with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
This shift doesn’t mean a reduction in police support; rather, it enhances the town’s overall safety coverage with the presence of more deputies and established protocols for handling emergencies.
The town’s relationship with the sheriff’s office is not new—Jeffco deputies have been providing police services for several years, including handling incidents and traffic around Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
