2010 Election
Harrison wants return to 'grass-roots' law enforcement

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

Jay Harrison, candidate for Larimer County sheriff, wants to bring the office back to the people.

Currently a patrol deputy with the sheriff's office, he said he wants to be "accessible to the people and in contact with the community so I understand what their needs and concerns are." If elected, he plans to spend time out of the office, in uniform and in a marked sheriff's vehicle.

Harrison, a Democrat, would also like to see other top administrators in the sheriff's office out on the streets with the deputies, in uniform and in marked cars. "They're paid very well," he said, "and they should be out there serving the public."

"I would change the entire philosophy," Harrison said. "We would get back to serving the people, not ourselves." Calling his approach "grass-roots law enforcement," he said he would bring leadership and accountability to the department.

Harrison, 47, of Wellington has spent more than 26 years in law enforcement, 15 of those with the local sheriff's office. Besides his duties as patrol deputy, he is a canine instructor and handler for the K-9 Unit. He also owns a business that imports dogs from around the world and trains them as security dogs.

Harrison plans several changes if he is elected in November. He sees the department as top-heavy, and he would restructure the office. He said the number of administrators in the sheriff's office has more than doubled since he joined the department in 1996, but only a few deputy positions have been added.

Restructuring the department would solve many budgetary issues, Harrison claimed. He would eliminate some yet-to-be-determined administrative positions, but he does not plan to cut deputy jobs.

"The last thing we want to do is lay off deputies on the street who answer the calls," he said. He stated that current sheriff Jim Alderden is talking about budgeting for five or six fewer deputies in 2011 because of budget constraints.

The budget situation is the biggest challenge facing the sheriff's office, Harrison said. The current 0.2 percent sales tax that partially funds jail operations expires in 2014, and Harrison said he hopes voters will continue the tax.

Harrison stated that Alderden is trying to balance this year's budget by "telling deputies to write more traffic tickets." That's not in the public's best interest, he said.

The current sheriff's department has been a "reactive office," Harrison said, and he would stress prevention more. He is a supporter of alternative sentencing and community corrections, noting that these programs are much less expensive than jail time and that some offenders do not need to be in jail. He also wants to look for proven programs to reduce recidivism.

Harrison said he believes Larimer County should have its own detox and treatment center so that substance abusers can get the help they need.

For concealed carry permit holders, Harrison believes names of those with permits should be kept locally at the sheriff's office and not sent to a state database.

Asked about his administrative experience, Harrison said he has supervised other employees both in Larimer County and at his previous post in Routt County. The Routt County sheriff, he noted, mentored him in how to run a successful department "where employees love to work."

"We need to rebuild the trust that we have lost over the past years," Harrison said, saying he would do that with accountability and open communication.

"Justin Smith has had an opportunity for several years to make effective changes," said Harrison. "Nothing will change with Mr. Smith."

Asked about his own finances, Harrison said he declared personal bankruptcy two years ago following a divorce.