DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Sheriff Department is losing staff as the need for law enforcement intensifies across the nation.
FOX31 found the department is budgeted for 859 sworn positions, but currently has 579 of those positions filled. Overall staffing is at 65%. The sheriff’s department reports 109 deputies left in 2024 compared to 124 in 2021.
Sheriff Elias Diggins tells FOX31 a wave of retirement is the main cause of the decrease in staff with those who have served the Department for 25 to 30 years now eligible to leave.
“We believe that over the next couple of years, with our recruitment efforts and with the wave of retirement subsiding, that we’ll be able to see more significant gains,” said Diggins.
The Sheriff also cites civil unrest in 2020 as a reason for some resignations, but says there is no evidence showing deputies are leaving the Department to join efforts to enforce immigration laws as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
“We’re an excellent department that has pretty good pay right now; the pay for ICE is less than what you would be paid as a Denver Deputy Sheriff,” he said.
Diggins says training academy attendance numbers have tripled, showing a renewed interest in law enforcement.
“If folks want to serve the community, if they want to be part of a great department that’s going in a good direction, we would love for them to become members of the Denver Sheriff’s Department,” he said.
Diggins says the fluctuating staff levels are affecting public safety and all shifts are being properly covered.
“Deputies are required to work overtime 24 hours per month, but I can tell you that we do everything that we can to not only keep our staff safe but also the people that are in our custody and the community as well,” he said.
Diggins encourages those interested in beginning careers in law enforcement to consider the rewards.
“You’re giving back, I’m a child of this community, grew up in Denver. I’m from Montbello, so to be able to give back to the community that’s invested so much in me just means the world so I consider it a privilege not only to be the Sheriff but also a member of the Sheriff’s Department,” he said.
A new training academy begins in December. For more information, visit the Denver Sheriff Department website here.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
